tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86395853050091744952024-03-12T15:03:30.208-07:00Interstitial Cystitis Diet: Confident Choices®Hope Health and Healing for Interstitial Cystitis PatientsJulie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.comBlogger109125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-17375421484740823352020-12-31T11:21:00.001-08:002021-01-05T13:04:19.050-08:00Yes, Interstitial Cystitis Patients CAN Have Mexican (and Other Ethnic) Foods!<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfZnLvsXK09BJ2v8XE0y31se6NSmz15q4dR5kS6M8fqksYMBAVyRHYjFJIihH3mJcyzYcJiQW9WljKM0WTaLujkfTp22w4BgslQMpkjq9tGjqcetphBcbFgR2cKmhX5y0lutalrYSgJk/s1102/Mexican+Food+for+IC.png" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhfZnLvsXK09BJ2v8XE0y31se6NSmz15q4dR5kS6M8fqksYMBAVyRHYjFJIihH3mJcyzYcJiQW9WljKM0WTaLujkfTp22w4BgslQMpkjq9tGjqcetphBcbFgR2cKmhX5y0lutalrYSgJk/s320/Mexican+Food+for+IC.png" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">One thing I always tell my patients is that living with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome is more tolerable if you have good problem solving skills. Sure, it is easy to end up depressed and frustrated, especially about food, if all you do is concentrate on the “do nots” and “cannots.” But, if you look at your treatments and diet with curiosity and an eye for substitution, you will feel better about yourself and your choices!</span><p></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, IC patients often grumble that they can’t have ethnic foods. This fact has not been lost on researchers who repeatedly mention Indian, Chinese, and Mexican cuisines as contributing to bladder pain and other symptoms.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Now, just so you know, I have a beautiful, multi-cultural family. My son-in-law is Korean, my daughter-in-law is Indian, my niece is African, and my nephew and cousin are Mexican. So, frankly, I think throwing entire cultures under the bus is ludicrous and irresponsible of the researchers. But instead of complaining about this, I have decided to put on my problem solving hat. What are recipes anyway? Just different combinations of various ingredients, right? So, all we have to do is look at the list of foods that are common in a culture, keep the ones that are <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC-diet-food-list.html" target="_blank">bladder friendly</a>, and switch out those that can be problematic.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s take a look at Mexican food. Instead of bemoaning the fact that we can’t have jalapeños and chili seasoning, let’s concentrate on the fresh and fun elements of our favorite recipes from south of the border!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Meat: </span>Consuming high quality protein is an important element of a healthy, IC friendly diet. It isn’t the meat in Mexican food that is the problem, but how you season it. Options include ground and grilled meats (beef, chicken, turkey, pork), grilled or poached seafood (try tilapia, cat fish, shrimp, or crab meat), and eggs. Are you cooking for your family? Simply separate your portion from the rest before adding problem ingredients.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Tortillas: </span>Both corn and flour tortillas are generally well tolerated by IC/BPS patients. To help fold these traditional unleavened breads into tacos, burritos, fajitas, and enchiladas, heat briefly in a microwave or on a skillet. Don’t be concerned about the “lime” you find in the ingredient list of some tortillas. This lime is not citrus, but rather the common name of calcium hydroxide, an alkaline substance added to the water to help shell the corn kernels used to make corn tortillas. You may even see it as an ingredient on flour tortillas.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Cheese: </span>Various cheeses are used in both traditional and Americanized Mexican foods. Cheddar, Monterey jack, cream cheese, and crema (a saltier version of sour cream) are all great toppings for tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and salads.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Vegetables:</span> Onions, colorful sweet bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini, corn, and leafy vegetables are a great way to add flavor, fun, and nutrition to your Mexican-inspired dishes! Cut vegetables into small bits and add to ground meat to add in tacos and burritos, or sprinkle vegetable slices with olive oil and coarse salt then grill or roast in the oven to caramelize them, releasing the best flavors. This is a great use of “less than perfect” produce!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Avocados: </span>Did you know that traditional guacamole only has avocado, salt, and a bit of pepper? You do not need to add tomatoes, chili peppers, or onions to enjoy this fantastically healthy dip for tortilla chips! If you want to add a little variety, combine with chopped, sweet red peppers and a spoonful of sour cream. Yum!</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Beans: </span>Pinto beans are used frequently in Mexican recipes. High in soluble fiber and protein, these versatile ingredients can even be used as meat substitutes in many dishes! When buying canned beans, read the ingredients carefully. Some contain a high amount of added fat and even jalapeños. Please note that black beans may be more irritating than pinto or pinquito beans.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Seasonings:</span> Many traditional Mexican seasonings are actually well tolerated by IC/PBS patients. Common ingredients to try include garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Paprika, cinnamon, and cumin are also commonly used in Mexican dishes, but start with a small amount to be sure they do not bother you.</span></p><h4 style="--fontsize: 20; --minfontsize: 20; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 0px 1.1em; padding-bottom: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">“Maybe” Ingredients:</span></span></h4><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Tomatoes: </span>Keep in mind that a eating a slice of tomato is much different than consuming a cup of tomato sauce which may include the equivalent of two or three whole tomatoes. If your bladder is in a good place, you may want to try a tablespoon or two or chopped tomatoes as a garnish on your taco or fajita. Don’t forget that yellow tomatoes, homegrown versions, and heirloom tomatoes are often less acidic and may give you the taste you are looking for with less bladder “ouch.”</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;">Limes: </span>Are you surprised to see a citrus food on this list? Certainly you don’t want to use the juice of a whole lime to season your meat, but adding a few drops to your guacamole may be ok. Lime zest (grated peel) can also add a lot of flavor without triggering your painful bladder symptoms. Of course, taking <a href="http://www.icdietproject.com/can-enjoy-mexican-food-even-sensitive-bladder-stomach/www.prelief.com" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #7a2600; text-decoration-line: none; transition-duration: 0.2s; transition-property: color, background-color, border-color; transition-timing-function: linear;">Prelief </a>before a meal may allow you to eat potential trigger foods like tomatoes, lime juice, or other acidic foods</span></p><h4 style="--fontsize: 20; --minfontsize: 20; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0em 0px 1.1em; padding-bottom: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Soft Chicken Tacos with Roasted Red Pepper and Corn Salsa (makes 6)</span></h4><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients</span></em></p><ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;"><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 T. olive oil</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ c. chopped onion</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 garlic clove, peeled and chopped (optional, as tolerated)</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ c. chopped roasted sweet red pepper</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 ½ c. cooked, shredded chicken (may substitute ground meat)</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ t. cumin</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ t. paprika</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 t. chopped oregano</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ c. roasted sweet red pepper, chopped and chilled</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ c. corn (for more flavor, use kernels from grilled corn on the cob. Chill before using.)</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ c. canned black beans, drained and rinsed</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">½ c. cubed cucumber</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">¼ c. chopped onion (if tolerated)</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 t. pear juice</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 t. olive oil</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 t. chopped cilantro</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">¼ t. lime zest</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 t. chopped oregano</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 small corn or flour soft tortillas</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lettuce</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Cheese</span></li><li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 avocado cut into slices</span></li></ul><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat. Add first ½ c. onions, garlic, and first ½ c. red peppers, cooking until slightly browned and caramelized. Add shredded chicken, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper and heat until cooked through.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">While meat mixture is heating, combine second ½ c. red pepper, corn, black beans, cucumbers, second ½ c. onions, pear juice, oil, cilantro, lime zest, and oregano to make salsa.</span></p><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">To warm and soften tortillas, place two between paper towels and heat for 20 seconds in the microwave. Fill with meat mixture. Top with lettuce, cheese, salsa, and avocado slices. Enjoy!</span></p><div><a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a></div><div>Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div><div><a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com</a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2009/02/body-ph-vs-urine-ph.html" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDGD9LccJTGd0gsuQGdTb1J3Gc7oHQZLqJCB8PW44ZyAomKc2I0hIR-QU57gOQHzFUdxgTzeGrI5Ec9PMte9xKWt-1J2kCcxBXIBrWUMUlH-mOLYlrMlYKt_BzaenLrGvaONuXf9FysKw/w133-h200/Body+pH.png" width="133" /> <span style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"> </span></a><a href="http://www.icdietitian.com" style="clear: left; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQysl8auJVO764oKLl8tFCSqYSmZMass_izLj__-NLTh_7Cn5FFeCNOWHatxT0FFhbpbmZ-NUEgADO-MohQe0RY6A_qxUwhmfXmAiGOxWRZ8wv94qjuonK-VWUf6YW0QNRXLp3C8CxnmM/w133-h200/Sometimes+you+just+need+to+talk+to+someone+who+understands..png" width="133" /></a><a href="www.desertharvest.com" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiupuwIv5YiC-yQKyX7Rtz2SX_l8zFpOLyz5ynnkGehGSoAoGzJjojsz_Lo3fJB6TOILculJciskgTJGfCcGKv9-8z6reHsymGN2SKCa2CfoG313pON1rwQKkwjedZC9BBB0OyFok9T4Qg/w133-h200/rsz_dh_10_off_200px.png" width="133" /></a></div><h3><b><h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;">Need Some Guidance? Want More Recipes?</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="text-align: left;"><br /></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; font-size: 18.72px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;" target="_blank"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a></div></h3></b></h3><div><span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><p style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 20px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span></span></p>Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-72121520441983373522019-10-23T13:30:00.000-07:002019-10-23T12:25:51.276-07:00An Interstitial Cystitis Elimination Diet: Eight Ideas for Keeping It Simple<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YXOoorwR5MJG1-E1YY-B2ZCNBV2eLorGDYrfojuYaK-KXCEOKheTIcCKChiDoVa43xNosIpXpJ2hmLieYDBrNCB8Yw3UQWagyGXlIxQ6GSN8trRZup45wyLx-bWu7hhjdV_k_7wn1YU/s1600/Keep+It+Simple.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YXOoorwR5MJG1-E1YY-B2ZCNBV2eLorGDYrfojuYaK-KXCEOKheTIcCKChiDoVa43xNosIpXpJ2hmLieYDBrNCB8Yw3UQWagyGXlIxQ6GSN8trRZup45wyLx-bWu7hhjdV_k_7wn1YU/s320/Keep+It+Simple.png" width="213" /></a></div>
If you are newly diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, or find yourselves in a flare with a painful bladder you can't quite get control of, it is important to stick with the bladder friendly column of the <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC%20Diet%20and%20Food%20List.html" target="_blank">IC Food List</a>, keeping your meals as plain and simple as possible.
It is much harder to filter out which food is causing your bladder symptoms to flare if
you are eating foods with many ingredients such as casseroles, soups, or
stir-fries. Of course, keeping your foods simple is only part of it, and sometimes you are in so much pain or you are so frustrated that you can't think straight.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Trust me; I have been there. I know it takes a lot of energy to plan meals, shop for ingredients, cook the meals, and clean up. You have to consider not only your condition, but the schedules of your family members, and their food preferences. So I have come up with a short list here with some hints for keeping it simple at this stage<b>:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Make IC menu planning a family
affair.</b>
Consulting with other family members about menu choices can increase their
understanding of your condition and the foods you can and cannot have. </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Consider including foods
that might be triggers for you, but that your family can eat.</b> It was nearly a year before
I realized that I had not been buying strawberries for my family just because I
couldn’t have them!</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";"></span></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "symbol";"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span><b>Stick to your grocery list</b>. Often people walk through
the grocery store waiting for inspiration to strike. A list insures that you
have all the ingredients that you need for the week and helps prevent impulse
buying, which can be tough on the wallet.</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Recycle your weekly meal
plans like institutions do. </b>Hospitals, schools, and nursing homes use “cycle
menus” to simplify planning. Once you have developed a few weeks of menus that
you and your family enjoy, go ahead and reuse them. Save the grocery lists,
too<b>.</b></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Do your grocery shopping
from your computer.</b> For a small charge, many stores now allow you to send a grocery order to a
professional shopper who brings your order directly to your car or even to your house. This can be a great time and energy saver<b>. </b></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Make two batches of a meal and freeze one for later.</b> Everyone has days when they
are too busy or too tired to cook. It is nice to have something available that
you can quickly reheat. <span style="color: black;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><b></b></span> </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Involve everyone in mealtime
activities.</b><span style="color: black;"> </span>Establish this as a special
time to spend with individual family members. Assign days when each person has
a chance to help with breakfast or dinner. Have all the ingredients out for
people to pack their own lunches. Even small children can help to set the
table, measure ingredients<span class="msoIns"><ins cite="mailto:Lauren" datetime="2010-11-02T19:55">,</ins></span> or stir batter</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b>.</b></span> </li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Simplify cleanup.</b> Use disposable plates and
utensils on days when symptoms flare or energy is limited. Line baking dishes with
aluminum foil or bake food in foil pockets. Use a slow cooker to bake a one
pot, complete meal of meat, potatoes, and vegetables.</span></li>
</ul>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-size: small;">For more tricks and tips on how to implement the IC diet, see <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724677/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet: A Confident Choices</a></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724677/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: small;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--></span>®</a><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724677/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank"> Book</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">PS: Thank you so much to all of you who are making your Amazon purchases though the Confident Choices links. Here are some of the purchases people have made that help support this newsletter and other projects of ours! </span><br />
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001Q5Z0V2/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfqk29z-LybcmdHN2pH_a6MrqH6eAZNmXMDTGYHtogXWmZExneMA_Ec_xGzmrEg0VKaCkTpAqPnvMxEHVaKH7A6gH0PrjOIYO6dBlvidocAPzMFDOjbnnuE43TNfr5_kCtwgDKVSU8_E8/s200/Bladder+Q+pin2.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B010ABB6KQ/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaslQj2AjVgGttJDuge3ZJKBg4lzlwXZDMapMscvVmTVi6F3TKq937DrBmDUyA28bhprDEkt3r_2KsucRliMeGSCgXBriBAuu2zVpVEu02-DeI0BImLsRy9j50iNUqOHXUMsxMEruKH8/s200/Tylers+coffee+pin.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00XIKQCJC/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_QVR-olp-JLUsgnJktavqoLXuLiMjVvNlHPPMWpPaKfFj15L0f58H-r9ZEFKMb2NC2aAxYwXAufjNKMsbsBDchrK9gkMF4ZJt0iTKpL6FaEDmlNnNqMfrflSiPIGN_nJtAujBDftWfs/s200/UTI+test+Pin.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b>Need Some Guidance? Want More Recipes?</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<ul>
</ul>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-3939504284627503432019-10-02T20:00:00.000-07:002019-10-02T17:36:03.880-07:00Interstitial Cystitis Diet: No Citrus? No Strawberries? No Problem!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnwWl53uzVdR-d4zu14GjH0zqwKzt-tmB6lj1oWXxeNeaL4bNlTf1hxC80uF5bcfrmw4huNfHVUKgHI0QDnYAuMpbcMhMjRXFEJKu_JiuqFyMDTH_vtS8GynmTeDKLeHUgmXPNimaSLA/s1600/Vitamin+C+Article.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBnwWl53uzVdR-d4zu14GjH0zqwKzt-tmB6lj1oWXxeNeaL4bNlTf1hxC80uF5bcfrmw4huNfHVUKgHI0QDnYAuMpbcMhMjRXFEJKu_JiuqFyMDTH_vtS8GynmTeDKLeHUgmXPNimaSLA/s320/Vitamin+C+Article.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
One of the most common concerns that I hear from my IC patients is how can they consume a balanced diet with interstitial cystitis and the limited, fruit selection on the <a href="http://tinyurl.com/ICFoodList">IC Food List</a>. The answer is simple! Many other bladder friendly fruits and vegetables are full of the same vitamins and antioxidants that a person might find in orange juice or berries.<br />
<span xmlns=""></span><br />
<span xmlns=""><br />In fact, even on an IC Diet, you can get a lot of vitamin C from foods that are not citrus. Check out this list of bladder friendly, high vitamin C options (all vitamin C amounts are for 100 g. servings):</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span xmlns="">Red bell peppers (nearly 200 mg!)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Parsley (130 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Broccoli (90 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Green bell peppers (80 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Brussels sprouts (80 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Kale (41 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Cauliflower (40 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Raspberries - if tolerated (30 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Spinach (30 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Cabbage, raw (30 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Butternut (winter) squash (21 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Spaghetti squash (20 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Potato (20 mg, but you usually eat more than 100 g of potato)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Zucchini (19 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Yellow (summer) squash (17 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Blueberries (10 mg)</span></li>
<li><span xmlns="">Banana - if tolerated (9 mg)</span></li>
</ul>
<span xmlns=""><br />Some IC patients can also take an <a href="http://tinyurl.com/lowacidC">alkalized Vitamin C supplement</a> or a <a href="http://tinyurl.com/slowrelease">sustained release formula</a> which keeps the excess Vitamin C from spilling into the bladder all at once, which is what causes the pain. One way or another, with just a little planning, you should be able to get plenty of C in your diet!</span><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b> </b><b>Looking for New IC Recipes? </b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-58366061704683833572019-09-27T20:49:00.002-07:002019-09-29T11:43:43.857-07:00Yes! You CAN Have Salads! Bladder Friendly Low Acid Salads and Salad Dressings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqtK9kT5BNvQaZFGsnE0Y7zr97ONG6DLzGnbUWg19R-hT74reM5zadoJg3Z-6SPlQ39dbYSvMCL9rOa2npjk0_TrM8rBoIQ54xYC10vLiw3Rh-ftGc61TsQSId_mdVb8uVpqZrU8Y1r4/s1600/Low+Acid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZqtK9kT5BNvQaZFGsnE0Y7zr97ONG6DLzGnbUWg19R-hT74reM5zadoJg3Z-6SPlQ39dbYSvMCL9rOa2npjk0_TrM8rBoIQ54xYC10vLiw3Rh-ftGc61TsQSId_mdVb8uVpqZrU8Y1r4/s320/Low+Acid.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone knows that vegetables and salads are an important part of a healthy diet. But, if you are a person with interstitial cystitis or other acid sensitivity you are probably asking yourself, “What can I put on my salads?” My answer is, “Plenty!” The fact is, salads don’t have to be acidic at all. The trick is to build the salad itself with a variety of ingredients that appeal to all of your senses so that you aren’t relying solely on the salad dressing for that burst of flavor.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 20px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you ready to experiment? Here are some ideas to try:</span></div>
<div style="height: 0px;">
</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use a variety of greens to add flavor and texture to your salad. The color variations of the greens signify different nutrients! </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Toss chopped fresh herbs (cilantro, parsley, basil, oregano, fresh mint, or thyme) into the salad greens for a surprise burst of flavor in every bite.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add sliced avocado to salads. Not only does this add a creamy texture to the salads, it provides you will healthy fats. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Grow your own low-acid salad tomatoes. Ask your local nursery to suggest varieties that grow well in your area or visit local farmers' markets to sample different types. The small yellow pear tomatoes are a great start, low in acid and very sweet!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Top your salad with roasted onions, corn, bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or summer squash for extra flavor and color. The more color the better! </span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Boost your salad’s flavor and nutrition by adding fruit. Mild apple or pear slices, blueberries, and dried fruit are all tasty choices.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Throw in some beans, legumes, nuts, or seeds for extra flavor, texture, added protein, and healthy fats.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Substitute blueberry juice, pear juice, or peach nectar for vinegar in homemade salad dressings.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make creamy dressings starting with a base of mild yogurt or blended cottage cheese and adding fresh or dried herbs, garlic, onion powder, chopped fresh mint, lemon zest, and/or salt to taste.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Try <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B07CG29KHV/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">herb-infused oils</a> or nut oils (<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B005PIYQ20/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">almond</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004V7JXFG/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">walnut</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B006K3RCPC/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">avocado</a> are sweeter choices) to add flavor and variety to your salads.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">
<li style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Finally, when in doubt, try using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B015G2P2RM/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prelief</a> to lower the effect of the acidic foods on your body. But I promise you, once you get used to designing these flavorful, colorful, and nutritious salads, you will never go back to plain old iceberg lettuce and vinaigrette again!</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
Here are a couple of recipes from <i><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICCookbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: "roboto" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">®</span>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a> </i>to get you started:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<h4>
Pear and Honey Coleslaw</h4>
<div>
Ingredients:</div>
<div>
1 hard (partially ripe) pear</div>
<div>
2 c. shredded white and red cabbage</div>
<div>
1/2 c. shredded carrots</div>
<div>
1/2 t. finely chopped mint, if desired</div>
<div>
1/2 c. pear juice</div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
1 t. lemon zest</div>
<div>
1 T. honey</div>
<div>
1/2 t. sea salt</div>
<div>
1/4 t. pepper</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Peel, core, and grate pear to equal 1/2 cup. Combine with cabbage and carrots. Place mint, pear juice, canola oil, lemon zest, honey, salt, and pepper in blender and mix until well blended. Pour immediately over vegetables and toss. Refrigerate a minimum of 4 hours, stirring occasionally to blend flavors. May also be served as a hot salad by microwaving for 30 seconds per serving.</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h4>
Basil Blueberry Non-Vinaigrette Salad Dressing</h4>
<div>
Ingredients:</div>
<div>
1 c. frozen blueberries, partially thawed</div>
<div>
1/2 c. organic, pure blueberry juice</div>
<div>
1/2 c. olive oil</div>
<div>
1 t. lemon zest</div>
<div>
1/2 t. sugar</div>
<div>
2 t. finely chopped fresh basil (may substitute thyme)</div>
<div>
Pinch salt</div>
<div>
Pinch white pepper to taste (as tolerated)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Place all ingredients in blender. Blend using one-second “pulses,” checking consistency after every couple of pulses. May also be made without using frozen berries. Simply increase juice to 1 cup.</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/" target="_blank">www.ic-diet.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b></b></h3>
<h4>
<b>Just Tell Me What to Eat!</b></h4>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">r health care workers: </span> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="height: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-54977735359243626932019-09-26T12:00:00.002-07:002021-05-07T14:37:04.860-07:00Are You Becoming Nutrient Deficient on the Interstitial Cystitis Diet?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62266fqMVE8SStu7k9fyjOaFZl4G-YQkWtWpM2HHMGqhLRhUVe8ocdHlz4rwBchg2q3ji70NaMpn0OdP5pSnEP4vGh6SC4yoC9nGXkLjhv5p4TG8M8nQS7lonqFv0Snvx2eZebSjrJXQ/s1600/Overwhelm.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj62266fqMVE8SStu7k9fyjOaFZl4G-YQkWtWpM2HHMGqhLRhUVe8ocdHlz4rwBchg2q3ji70NaMpn0OdP5pSnEP4vGh6SC4yoC9nGXkLjhv5p4TG8M8nQS7lonqFv0Snvx2eZebSjrJXQ/s320/Overwhelm.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I frequently have interstitial cystitis/painful bladder patients contact me for symptoms of vitamin deficiency because they went "gluten-free" based on " information from the internet." These can be serious deficiency diseases we have not seen in this country for
nearly 100 years. (Look up <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000339.htm" target="_blank">beriberi</a>, <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000342.htm" target="_blank">pellagra</a>, and <a href="https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000574.htm" target="_blank">megaloblastic anemia</a>.) The reasons for these deficiencies are well known. Wheat flour is often enriched with vitamins that substitute flours (rice, amaranth, potato, etc.) are typically not. This is leaving a big hole in the nutrition of many people. In fact, I imagine there are thousands out there with the same problem. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know some people with IC say they are being helped by going
gluten- or dairy-free, and if that is the case, I am thrilled for them. I am not against anyone trying something that they feel could help their painful bladder and frequency. But if
you want to try it, I want you to KNOW going in that it is very difficult,
especially when paired with the <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC-diet-food-list" target="_blank">IC Food List</a> that we <i>already know</i> works for 90%
of the people (Documented, not made up....90% plus people with interstitial cystitis are actually helped with this <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC-diet-food-list" target="_blank">IC Diet Food List</a>). Trust me, the last thing you
want to do is give yourself MORE problems than you already have. Gluten-free diets need to be taught and supervised, at least at first, by dietitians so that the patients can learn what they need to do to fill these nutrition holes in their diets. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nutrition is a <i><b>science</b></i> for a reason. Until we start
enriching other non-gluten grains with the vitamins and minerals you are
missing when you don't eat wheat, rye, and barley, you will have to watch your
diet extremely carefully to be sure that you are getting all the nutrients you
need. Keep in mind that IC patients can't supplement many of these
nutrients with a multivitamin like someone with celiac (but no IC) can, because
that hurts an IC bladder. It is tricky business at its best. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My friends, you only have one life. Some of you are
desperate to get well, I know that. I have been there. But don't get so frantic
that you reach for everything out there and end up worse than before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you are new to IC and the interstitial cystitis diet, here is the plan I work
from with my patients:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1.<b> Start by eliminating the top offenders. </b>Citrus, spicy
hot foods, MSG, soy, caffeine, coffee, tea, sodas, alcohol, tomatoes, cranberry
juice, chocolate. See how you do without changing anything else. Give it a
couple of weeks to see if you improve. Be sure to keep a food and symptom diary
to be able to "measure" your success. Not everyone can get their pain down to zero or
their frequency to 4 times a day. However, if you lower your pain from an 8 to a 4, that is a success.<br />
<br />
2.<b> If eliminating the main offenders doesn't work, you can then use the Bladder Friendly list
on the <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC-diet-food-list" target="_blank">IC Diet</a>.
</b>Again, keep the diary and follow for a few weeks to see if you improve. You might have to muster up some patience, but try. Eventually most people feel better. <br />
<br />
3. <b>Be sure to eat foods from all the food groups. </b>Not all fruits are bad. Many IC safe vegetables provide similar nutrition to fruits. (See <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2010/05/no-citrus-no-strawberries-no-problem.html" target="_blank">Interstitial Cystitis: No Citrus, No Strawberries? No Problem!</a>) Eating a wide variety of foods is essential for good health.<br />
<br />
4. <b>Modify how you supplement nutrients. </b>Consider a brand of multivitamin specific for painful bladder patients. Or, use a children's formula multivitamin, usually 25% of an adult's needs, taking one dose in the morning and one dose in the evening. The benefit here is that more vitamins will actually be absorbed since the body can only use so much at one time.<br />
<br />
5. <b>If you still don't feel better, remember that it isn't always food. </b>Stress, physical activity, hormonal cycles, and
sexual intercourse could be triggering your interstitial cystitis symptoms. Don't keep eliminating foods in your diet just
because you "think" they are bothering you. Use your diary. Talk to
someone else who might be able to see patterns. Try to approach this as
scientifically as you can.<br />
<br />
6. <b>If you have faithfully tried everything else and you have a history of
allergies, consider being tested for food allergies. </b>Now and then an IC patient
reacts to a "Bladder Safe" food and it is usually because they are not even aware that they have an allergy. I have seen patients allergic to dairy, corn, pears, eggs, and beef. All foods that are normally considered safe and even soothing for most IC patients. Unless you are allergic.<br />
<br />
7. <b>Finally, you could try the gluten-free or the casein-free diets, </b>but that is
much further along the line. A rule of thumb here is if you don't feel you are being helped within a few weeks of starting one or the other of these restrictive diets, you probably won't be helped. I also advise to eliminate one thing at a time. That way if you DO get better, you aren't trying to figure out which food group is hurting you. <br />
<br />
As many have discovered, when you take a whole food group out of the diet, it
becomes <i>much more difficult to balance your nutrient</i>s. Those eliminations need to be approached
cautiously and scientifically or you will create many more problems than you already have. It is
extremely frustrating that "medical professionals" with only a teeny fraction of
the nutrition training that dietitians have, pass out this information so
freely. <br />
<br />
Finally, don't waste your time and money frantically listening to everything you read on
the Internet, and trying to assimilate each and ever suggestion you come across.<i> <b>If you want help, I want to help you. </b></i>I CAN help you. I am
working with groups of dietitians to help train more people who can help you, but that is going to take years. Until that happens, however, I try to accommodate as many people as possible
into my schedule. If you want to have a private appointment with me, I do phone
and video (Facetime/Skype) consultations for people. Please email me
at <a href="mailto:NutraConsults@aol.com">NutraConsults@aol.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/" target="_blank">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b> </b><b>Just Tell Me What to Eat! </b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span><br />
<br /></div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-49622413850575896622019-09-04T12:00:00.001-07:002020-12-09T09:13:52.130-08:00Interstitial Cystitis: Is MSG Hiding in Your Food?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6qOXtjm1olv5iQ0e5IxkFc1ojMksIKVbeQOW_jjGYRoT500jwE20HPzLY36IKIDOOpIFtx-Eu99NVs_LgfYFzEiNstgQ2zJCxjpufMpkEHfTLQ3HZb4hkoJ-5Lwkj9Mjv2Wnm0ZLKF8/s1600/IS+MSG+Hiding+in+your+food.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj6qOXtjm1olv5iQ0e5IxkFc1ojMksIKVbeQOW_jjGYRoT500jwE20HPzLY36IKIDOOpIFtx-Eu99NVs_LgfYFzEiNstgQ2zJCxjpufMpkEHfTLQ3HZb4hkoJ-5Lwkj9Mjv2Wnm0ZLKF8/s320/IS+MSG+Hiding+in+your+food.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Monosodium glutamate, or MSG as it is commonly called, is a food additive used around the world. MSG is a sodium based salt of the molecule glutamate which is used to "enhance the flavor" of a variety of manufactured products. People can even buy the product </span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%;">Accent</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 100%;"> or similar seasonings which can be used on food prepared at home. The flavor sensation that MSG imparts is described as </span></span><i style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%;">umami, </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">or a slightly </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">metallic flavor that can take the place of some salt (sodium </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">chloride<span><span>) since sodium that is combined with glutamate provides a similar burst of flavor with less sodium. MSG is often found in snack foods, condiments, gravy and gravy mixes, sauces, ramen and other Asian foods, soups, stocks, as well as bouillon cubes and granules. </span></span><span>Although MSG is considered safe in general, many people react negatively to MSG including migraine sufferers, some with gastrointestinal problems, and interstitial cystitis/painful bladder patients. Because of these reactions, many manufacturers in previous years had reduced the use of MSG in their products, even promoting MSG-free foods for people who want to avoid it. Lately, however</span><span>, there is a renewed interest in promoting umami flavors in foods and the use of such products in the marketplace is on the rise again.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 100%;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Most IC patients know that they should avoid monosodium glutamate/MSG, but often they do not know that MSG can be "hidden" in an ingredient list or that there are other, similar ingredients that manufacturers can use that may be just as bad for a painful bladder. Have you ever heard of "disodium glutamate??" How about "potassium glutamate?" In order to fully avoid the effects of consuming MSG, you need to really read your labels. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 100%;">Here are some things to look for:</span></span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">MSG</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">MSG Monohydrate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sodium Glutamate Monohydrate</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monosodium Glutamate</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Disodium Glutamate</span></span></li>
<li style="margin-bottom: 0.1em;">Sodium 2-Aminopentanedioate</li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein (HVP)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Textured Protein</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monopotassium Glutamate Monohydrate</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Monosodium Salt</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hydrolyzed Plant Protein (HPP)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeast Extract</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Glutamate or Glutamic Acid</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">L-Glutamic Acid Monohydrate</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Autolyzed Plant Protein</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeast Food or Nutrient (not just plain yeast)</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Glutamic Acid</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sodium Caseinate</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Autolyzed Yeast</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Vegetable Protein Extract</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you read labels when you shop? It may take some time at first, but don't worry! Eventually you will re-learn what foods you can stock in your pantry and refrigerator that are bladder-friendly!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU1_fqU4YXpqMW7mKg1TA1uAJHEKzViCv9wPjtT2KSX0cQ7ca2ftF4FVuLXPd3l3HWsvA84NSgt41asjzclhYqk481d03IYMCnwDrkR2ncxvKJhSc6Sdbatm1xnTqFBU16cSsl8anfgw/s1600/MSG-Free+Chicken+Broth.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B079WR3528/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img alt="MSG Chicken Stock" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilU1_fqU4YXpqMW7mKg1TA1uAJHEKzViCv9wPjtT2KSX0cQ7ca2ftF4FVuLXPd3l3HWsvA84NSgt41asjzclhYqk481d03IYMCnwDrkR2ncxvKJhSc6Sdbatm1xnTqFBU16cSsl8anfgw/s200/MSG-Free+Chicken+Broth.jpg" title="" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://ic-diet.com/recipes-and-resources.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmovuVs5z4Z7JDWkKxD5Xt51JEkWifPjGb4h-WmJ5P3h-pz-BssUYJQr7ZTEHfKexxLD_dWpIEQY2vwv6zSHSXjAU7ABnshb6IxUHNp0TCVdycLh7mmrcxWH4QbSnvuJfg_vXt6uRPgMk/s200/IC+Soups.jpg" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2010/10/yummy-chicken-corn-chowder.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC7KyvS4feuj-Gqvb0tX8qJR7P08clQXP04HC0WX_t6COpRdMUsV4iHvYRdFk-43AhYEoRJjjga5sZWsFgBnC3xoWX7gj14_FOlSiGfjDT3VjTpgihoOy0THHMVkuUcfMimvitcHk1Pf8/s200/Savory+Corn+Chowder.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/" target="_blank">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div class="style35" style="text-align: left;">
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-28498910183637640432019-08-07T20:08:00.000-07:002019-09-29T12:10:58.439-07:00What Is Your Interstitial Cystitis "New Normal?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVbDlaSNFNev1sxqWVkDbLnH-kzd21wOLOEj92utDNHv3W0ruRfLyEqpTwd5ygXhXssFw7fX15hcUCJGrqmZ1oa2eXYe4XV0-8035dfYv7fkDEVaGEpJbWnYct1k_J1VbsuFPjqyS0T4/s1600/New+Normal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCVbDlaSNFNev1sxqWVkDbLnH-kzd21wOLOEj92utDNHv3W0ruRfLyEqpTwd5ygXhXssFw7fX15hcUCJGrqmZ1oa2eXYe4XV0-8035dfYv7fkDEVaGEpJbWnYct1k_J1VbsuFPjqyS0T4/s320/New+Normal.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you heard the phrase "new normal" which describes how a person experiences life after diagnosis and treatment for an illness or chronic condition? It started to be used decades ago among cancer survivors, and many times people with conditions like interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome use it as well.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Simply put, "new normal" implies that you may never go back to the body or even mental state that you were in before you were diagnosed with interstitial cystitis, but you have reached a point in treatment where you feel better and have even developed coping skills that make navigating your painful bladder easier and maybe even automatic. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For example, I am MUCH better than when I was first diagnosed with IC! I now look at the couple of years before and after my diagnosis as one long bladder flare where I had to learn to listen to my own body and not ignore what was happening. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Obviously the </span><a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC%20Diet%20and%20Food%20List.html" style="font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">IC diet</a><span style="font-family: inherit;"> is important, but I don't have to watch what I eat as much as I used to. I still have several things I definitely cannot touch: Soy, cranberry juice (but I can have a few dried cranberries on a salad), strawberries, very spicy foods (although I can have a pinch of spice in something like guacamole), alcohol, any tea other than chamomile and mint (I never did drink coffee), and "too many" tomatoes or citrus. I am at a point where I can have one "bad" thing a day and do well. I am always on the hunt for new recipes, and meal planning isn't as frightening as it was 20 years ago.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If I start to feel some bladder twinges or increase in frequency above my "new normal," I go back to a strict <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC%20Diet%20and%20Food%20List.html" target="_blank">IC diet</a>, which for me involves a lot of water, eggs, toast, cottage cheese, and vegetables. I have learned that I need to get plenty of sleep. I watch my stress level and have coping strategies for that also. I take Epsom salts baths when I need them (or just when I want them!), and I don't apologize for the medications I need to take occasionally because they improve my quality of life, something I lost for a few years! (There is a chapter on how to handle flares in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724677/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet: A Confident Choices® Book</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I still void more often than someone without IC/BPS (mostly in the morning), and about once a week my body reminds me what the feeling of urgency really is, but since my pain is controlled, I can live with those things and even manage them with a few tricks I have learned over the years. The most important thing is that I don't fixate on them and remember everyone gets something sometime. That is my "new normal." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How about you? What is your "new normal" with interstitial cystitis? Respond to this email with ideas and let's help the newly diagnosed among us learn some ways to enjoy their lives again!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">IC Dietitian</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">www.ic-diet.com</span></a><o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<b>See Also:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2017/02/hope-health-and-healing-for.html" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDleFLORmdM27CSD9wAKh0l1WHX2g7yt4ODZbpgbA3iXYkmfhFZC5rUiF_Umdt5HUKQqPKEdiJAE9k6_SlpQy6LuT_DQLJWFDralgGFDfVxwPKAFV9RxCVjPPVp5ZoETGfYwRthVjmiOQ/s200/Encouragement.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-mental-gymnastics-of-chronic.html" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyILBsLfps7HbfvHicw9TLKX6ONvAYySfU9xFP5x2Q-_XGJbd_GGZgsU1A8SWzWdhUFEiXhKfKIQFhRHkGuaR9ZWCQghQTDscbGxGSuYKcD989jGpm_UHpYclO0lbTRzCSwL664s4uIjs/s200/Why+me+pin.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2016/05/are-you-victim-or-victor-of-your.html" target="_blank"><img height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEojpwLOZHhYaBcN1MM6FFGQDzNB_DumQbs_TSz9cB3xUCisCcHIXxh5SIYOP1WxRW0LtzRVKD-A4XOENZ2371cEXTFOx57fw70zW7w-2fo12kKkK96J5WPvsOaWYrDIroW3ZIdLwmX4/s200/Are+You+a+Victim+or+a+Victor_.png" width="133" /></a></div>
<h4>
Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</h4>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c2ZFuafd6yzFvCKbpPi4PzTDOhvonXq1Lu11v17D8BMVwxQpbgSXdenoOjcsij52PV9rvDloW1gqDnC2INycb39l0_ak01XBFovb5PVzQWkKTbr7BigkKDkub13qxD7lYQPZJFQjrGQ/s200/RD+CC+Book+Cover2+medium.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<div>
For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices®: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices®: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
For health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-67840424544707200922019-08-05T09:54:00.004-07:002020-01-31T23:36:32.254-08:00Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder. Is It All In Your "Head?" Maybe...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iqQdrN2D3fcb8T_Poa6OzlJ_4mzjJdDaZxqUtTC2lpm-aDSpavt4rEXLILl36FIyaNr2-VFoeLd2MFIwZnX0P2a-OAZLnavp_VL1_wBZjL95SUvYgJeLIxaT4DGubVwUPaC-E0tveMg/s1600/Pain+in+Head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-iqQdrN2D3fcb8T_Poa6OzlJ_4mzjJdDaZxqUtTC2lpm-aDSpavt4rEXLILl36FIyaNr2-VFoeLd2MFIwZnX0P2a-OAZLnavp_VL1_wBZjL95SUvYgJeLIxaT4DGubVwUPaC-E0tveMg/s320/Pain+in+Head.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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My family is no stranger to chronic pain. In addition to my interstitial cystitis, my daughter suffers from endometriosis, a condition that
causes her incredible pain and upsets her system enough to make her periods
madly unpredictable. She is doing much better today, but after one of her
surgeries she said something that really bothered me. <i>She said she was glad to
have proof that it wasn't all in her head.</i> It killed me to hear that; but
unfortunately almost every person with pelvic pain has heard that line at least
once in their quest to get a proper diagnosis. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The truth is that diseases like endometriosis and interstitial cystitis CAN
be affected by the mind-body connection, also called
"<i>psychoneuroimmunology</i>" or PNI. If this rattles you a bit or causes
you to become defensive, think about this: We know that mental health
conditions like depression and anxiety are often chemical in nature and can
manifest themselves in headaches, backaches, and yes, even bladder-aches. We
also know that chronic stress triggers the release of several hormones and
other substances which actually help us react swiftly in actual emergencies, but when released chronically, can affect our health negatively. As you know, we
can't eliminate stress entirely, and we often can't control whether we are
depressed or anxious, especially if we have an unpredictable condition like
interstitial cystitis. But we can minimize the effects of stress on the body
with a few tricks and lifestyle changes. Here are some ideas to get you
started:</div>
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<ol>
<li><b>Take three deep breaths. </b>Fill your lungs completely
with air then release it slowly. This relaxes the diaphragm and, in turn,
much of the rest of the body. </li>
<li><b>Don't procrastinate on tasks you need to do. </b>Procrastinating
can cause an unnecessary increase in stress when actually doing the task can
reduce it. Create a to-do list and start crossing things off. Time
yourself doing chores you have put off for a long time. You will become more
motivated to get more tasks done once you realize it only took you 20 minutes
to sort and clean the front closet or clean out the car.</li>
<li><b>Divide large works into smaller bites. </b>Maybe you don't
have the time or energy to go through all of the kitchen cupboard. I get that.
But what about starting in one corner of your kitchen and doing one cupboard a
day. Even if you are exhausted, you can clean out one cupboard each evening.
Before you know it, your kitchen will be very well organized! </li>
<li><b>Engage in a hobby or learn something new. </b>Giving your
mind a pleasant diversion can be a great way to reduce the unwanted effects of
chronic stress. The sense of accomplishment you feel after completing a project
can provide fuel for you to start work on the next thing on your list.</li>
<li><b>Exercise and move more. </b>Take a walk, stretch, lift light weights.
These activities help burn the calories released and they can neutralize the
chemicals coursing through your body when you are under stress. </li>
<li><b>Pray or meditate. </b>Connect with your spiritual purpose.
Even yoga can help create a state of relaxation several times a day.</li>
<li><b>Get more sleep. </b>I know this is hard to do when you are in chronic pain, but your body needs sleep to heal. (See: <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2012/11/are-you-sick-and-tired-of-being-sick.html" target="_blank">Are You Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired?</a>)</li>
<li><b>Talk it out or write it down. </b>Putting words to your
situation is one of the best ways to help sort out any stress or other mental
anguish you may be experiencing. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, keep
a journal of your experiences, reactions, and/or feelings, or make an
appointment with a therapist or spiritual advisor. Just putting words to a
situation is a great way to reduce the effects of stress on your body. </li>
</ol>
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In summary, the thing to remember is that even though your disease isn't really "all
in your head," there is definitely a connection between a person's
emotions/stress level and their IC symptoms. That doesn't mean a person with IC is
imagining their symptoms. Rather, when a person experiences heavy emotions or
stress, a cascade of chemicals is released that causes dozens of physical
reactions in the body and we need to create healthy habits to reduce the effects on our health.</div>
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For more information about PNI and how emotions, hormones,
and body chemistry are interrelated with disease states, check out these books:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684846349/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="327" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF5Drz7OuP6JP0livOFMJLKE5u6U-EdlAq3miq6a97K5bB0dZw0u7Bvsc0sMk_pyagxg4U1mDrd6wVqWuduBTyqbnOl0qb7p_0Ps9PFlU7nGp6vrcvDQkES0eQw2F61tHyS_cPtg8XAow/s200/Molecules+of+Emotion.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0684846349/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Molecules of Emotion</a> (Candace Pert's first book about PNI. A bit medical, but extremely interesting and really helps explain the body/mind connection.) </div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1401910602/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="293" data-original-width="196" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM6W-l8dYUNGsFY8-3WjvBeyo8z3xoVB7iUBODxqq34rPtysxqi64ONMZ_F0_q-1tJtkJY8aU7dcOLAMB41yFOWvMsL10OUB_LIGME-YiDmo1chcTp3dCVxqU1k69RMhEXqKxNvg3eAAs/s200/Everything+You+Need.webp" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1401910602/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Everything You Need to Know to Feel Go(o)d</a> (Pert's recent book...much like Molecules of Emotion but easier to read. It also talks about her's and her husband's discovery of Peptide T, the closest thing we have for a cure for HIV/AIDS! Very very good!!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471219827/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1360" data-original-width="880" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyaDln5kUkioZ1sTHXNMKk50cA96fu09hBMXpZ4RBZe6eJTJRilYVqYH0E2xkuyiPEwDfl3G6IIYELpB5dGvf5dMR9WpGEnmcRwF8KcuwCYVD_heBa6avUTgP7YMffpyUGwcFO7GK6zCk/s200/body+says+no.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0471219827/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">When The Body Says No—Understanding the Stress Disease Connection</a> (Just like it sounds--helps make the connection between stress and disease.) <o:p></o:p></div>
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You can also read more about PNI at the American
Psychological Association website: <a href="http://www.apa.org/monitor/dec01/anewtake.html" rel="" target="_blank">Psychoneuroimmunology</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" target="_blank">JulieBeyer, MA, RDN</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/" target="_blank">www.ic-diet.com </a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<h4>
Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</h4>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="386" data-original-width="250" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5c2ZFuafd6yzFvCKbpPi4PzTDOhvonXq1Lu11v17D8BMVwxQpbgSXdenoOjcsij52PV9rvDloW1gqDnC2INycb39l0_ak01XBFovb5PVzQWkKTbr7BigkKDkub13qxD7lYQPZJFQjrGQ/s200/RD+CC+Book+Cover2+medium.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
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For step by step guidance for creating your own personal
interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices®: Customizing theInterstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></div>
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For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes,
see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ConfidentChoices®: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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For health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">InterstitialCystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-71454920927157974472018-12-02T14:25:00.002-08:002018-12-05T23:08:07.219-08:00How Desert Harvest Aloe Products Help Interstitial Cystitis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKZB4GuDRkTXd9cmh3caoTB226PcQMATb0YfsMFFPKfN-2IdHAtqmjyJEVtUS-gAB0UA5HwmCOb8Co7kLAjbne98nWWOz8IjWmJfGnjas2jkHxFyZTxowhw_g3CmAmGPqvZd3v0iKDHk/s1600/DH+10+OFF+.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKZB4GuDRkTXd9cmh3caoTB226PcQMATb0YfsMFFPKfN-2IdHAtqmjyJEVtUS-gAB0UA5HwmCOb8Co7kLAjbne98nWWOz8IjWmJfGnjas2jkHxFyZTxowhw_g3CmAmGPqvZd3v0iKDHk/s320/DH+10+OFF+.png" width="212" /></a></div>
Desert Harvest was founded in 1993 to help a family member who was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome (IC/PBS). The goal was to find a natural product that would relieve her bladder pain, urinary urgency, and frequency.<br />
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The patented
freeze dry process allows Desert Harvest to retain the maximum nutrients right after harvesting, while removing 100 percent of the water,
insoluble fiber and the caustic latex chemicals called anthraquinones known to
be irritating to the urinary and digestive tract. Unlike most aloe vera supplements and skincare, <a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/Super-Strength-Aloe/" target="_blank">Desert Harvest </a>retains the 75 vitamins, minerals, amino acids and polysaccharides to
offer the highest quality and most effective products at affordable
prices.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/Super-Strength-Aloe/">Desert Harvest Super-Strength Aloe Vera </a>contains acemannan, a polysaccharide chain of mannose molecules, and glycosaminoglycans
(GAGs) which adhere to the bladder mucosal lining to coat and protect it from
irritants. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
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Research Supports Use of Desert Harvest Aloe with IC/PBS Patients</h4>
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In 1995, Desert Harvest conducted a Phase I double-blind,
placebo-controlled <!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>SEQ CHAPTER \h \r 1<![endif]--><!--[if supportFields]><span
style='mso-element:field-end'></span><![endif]-->clinical trial for the
<a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/Super-Strength-Aloe/" target="_blank"><b>Super-Strength Aloe Vera Capsules</b></a> which showed an 87.5% marked reduction in IC/PBS
symptoms using 3600 mg (6 capsules) per day. In 2016 a survey of 20,000
Super-Strength Aloe Vera capsule users with IC/PBS helped collect additional
data about dosage, effectiveness for varied IC symptoms, ramp up time to
relief, as well as how to moderate dosage to best suit personal needs.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<ul>
<li>92% of patients self-reported that they ‘experienced relief’
with concentrated oral aloe vera.</li>
<li>67% of patients reported being able to reduce their
medication levels</li>
<li>63% of patients reported substantial (moderate or
significant) improvement in urgency and frequency of urination </li>
<li>69% of patients reported substantial improvement in pelvic
pain</li>
<li>68% of patients reported substantial improvement in urethral
burning</li>
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<a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/Super-Strength-Aloe/" target="_blank"><b>Super-Strength Aloe Vera</b></a> works by coating the bladder to
protect it from irritants. This can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months at
the recommended dosage of 3600 mg per day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>By taking 3 capsules in the a.m. and 3 capsules in the p.m. those surveyed
reported the following:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<li>30% of patients saw benefits within the first two weeks</li>
<li>56% of patients saw their improvement within the first
month. </li>
<li>25% of patients saw improvement between 1 and 3 months. </li>
<li>18% did not respond within the first three months; of those,
12% eventually saw benefit from continuing the course of treatment.</li>
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<br /> Desert Harvest Nutrition Products for Interstitial Cystitis Patients</h4>
Because those with IC/PBS are also challenged with diet
restrictions, Desert Harvest formulates nutritional supplements and all-natural
skin care that are IC/PBS friendly, gluten free, preservative free, starch
free, non-GMO, and free of allergens. Some notable Desert Harvest
supplements that are IC friendly.<br />
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<li><b><a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/calcium-glycerophosphate.html?category_id=247" target="_blank">Desert Harvest Calcium Glycerophosphate</a>, </b>found in Prelief,
has been proven to remove up to 95% of acid in foods. Take one capsule prior to eating foods that
can cause irritation or are known triggers.</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/probiotic-1-billion-cfu-90-capsules.html?category_id=247" target="_blank">Desert Harvest Probiotic</a>, </b>bifidobacterium infantis, helps
fortify the digestive system and defends against imbalance that can contribute
to gas, bloating, abdominal discomfort and diarrhea. One capsule per day can
help with gastrointestinal conditions including IBS, ulcerative colitis (UC),
leaky gut, constipation, chronic inflammation and bowel movement irregularity.</li>
<li><b><a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/multi-vitamin-90-capsules.html?category_id=247" target="_blank">Desert Harvest Multi-Vitamin</a> </b>is a low acid supplement supplies
a day’s recommended vitamins and minerals but is specifically formulated to be
IC friendly. Some notable exceptions include: </li>
<ul>
<li>No B6 which many with IC are especially sensitive to</li>
<li>B9 from L-Methylfolate which is easy to digest, unlike folic
acid</li>
<li>B12 from Methylcobalamin found in animal based foods and is
naturally occurring rather than Cyanocobalamin, commonly used and chemically
synthesized</li>
<li>Calcium Glycerophosphate that removes up to 95% of the acid
in foods / drinks</li>
<li>Magnesium Oxide which supports calcium absorption, helps
with chronic constipation and IBS</li>
<li>Buffered Vitamin C with 40 mg of calcium ascorbate for
sensitivity</li>
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<h4>
<br /> Desert Harvest Products Can Ease Irritation "Down There"</h4>
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Desert Harvest all-natural skincare also incorporates
super-strength aloe in the highest concentration to take advantage of the
anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, antibacterial, antiseptic and anaesthetic
properties that make aloe a great topical for varied skin irritations. All
skincare is paraben-free, petrochemical-free and has no artificial fragrance or
preservatives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/aloe-vera-gele.html?category_id=249" target="_blank">Aloe Gele</a> </b>is made with 100% organic aloe vera, helps improve
skin’s natural firmness and moisture. Ideal for burns, sunburn, acne, rosacea,
eczema, psoriasis, vulvodynia, lichen sclerosus, Sjogren’s and as a soothing
coating for the vulva and labia after multiple bathroom trips and wiping. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/aloe-glide.html?category_id=249" target="_blank">Aloe Glide® </a></b>is a pH balanced personal lubricant made with
100% aloe vera with added all-natural ingredients to make is slippery and extra
gentle for sensitive tissue. Recommended by healthcare practitioners for
intimacy, vaginal dryness, menopause discomfort, physical therapy and
vulvodynia.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.desertharvest.com/Releveum/" target="_blank">Releveum®</a></b> with 4% lidocaine, aloe vera, calendula and
botanicals, is a patented formula for intense skin repair. It helps relieve
pain associated with radiation dermatitis, chemical and kitchen burns, severe
sunburn, shingles, psoriasis, vulvodynia, Sjogren’s lichen sclerosus,
hemorrhoids, nerve pain and neuropathy. Helps improve healing time of wounds while
preventing scarring and discoloration of tissue.</div>
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<o:p>Desert Harvest Financial Assistance Programs</o:p></h4>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Desert Harvest works with organizations and healthcare
professionals to help educate and advocate for all those with IC/PBS worldwide.
By offering discounts for military, EMS, teachers, Medicare, Medicaid, SSI,
they help defray costs for those on limited incomes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their Compassionate Assistance Program (CAP)
offers qualified individuals free or discounted Super-Strength Aloe Vera and
Reléveum® for up to one year at a time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In addition to every day discounts, Desert
Harvest’s semi-annual sales in July and December offer extra ways to save on
top of volume savings and offered discounts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To receive an <b><span style="color: red;">additional discount </span></b>on the Desert Harvest products mentioned, enter <b><span style="color: red;">ICDiet10 </span></b>when you check out. In addition to your discount, Desert Harvest provides a referral fee to Confident Choices which helps support my work with interstitial cystitis patients all over the world!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For more information and to try samples of Desert Harvest Super-Strength Aloe Vera capsules, Aloe Gele, Aloe Glide® or Releveum®, please visit <a href="http://www.desertharvest.com/" target="_blank">www.desertharvest.com</a> or call 1-800-222-3901.</span><o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Related Posts:</b></span><br />
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-50793181465862797102017-09-13T17:56:00.001-07:002018-12-06T19:42:53.146-08:00How Interstitial Cystitis Affected My Allergies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoUUXakK2J4pHHtP5-sx9u2UPwNQ4xhgynzGi0PiPqh8Hhgz91nePpY1RczJam5pBMvM3i2zOrEeqBzMzw9h3NxnTjq7HgT-2zmi-t_geZ4JL9cNSb3zU-JzYX8Cv24SH9mBz1QYwVew/s1600/Allergies+and+Interstitial+Cystitis2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyoUUXakK2J4pHHtP5-sx9u2UPwNQ4xhgynzGi0PiPqh8Hhgz91nePpY1RczJam5pBMvM3i2zOrEeqBzMzw9h3NxnTjq7HgT-2zmi-t_geZ4JL9cNSb3zU-JzYX8Cv24SH9mBz1QYwVew/s320/Allergies+and+Interstitial+Cystitis2.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%;">I
know it is easy to focus on all the stuff that is bad when you are diagnosed
with a chronic illness, but there are often some positive changes that can
happen as we make this journey. This time of year I am reminded that because of
the hydroxyzine (Atarax) I take on a daily basis for interstitial cystitis
(IC), I no longer have problems with the terrible allergies I suffered with </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">my
whole life. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">For
example, I never could be around most animals. I love them, but being around
cats in particular was a nightmare. My eyes would swell shut and I would cough
and sneeze as though I had the worst cold or flu. I had a hard time visiting my
family members who had cats and I know that strained relationships at that
time. We had two "hypoallergenic" dogs as a part of our family for
years (a poodle and a Bichon Frise), but never any cats.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Shortly after starting hydroxyzine, however, my daughter brought a kitten home from
college. (That's a story for another day!) and we ended up with our first cat. I didn't think about it until much later, but she really didn't bother me. And then a couple of years later after we lost one
of our dogs, we adopted our second kitten, Diego.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I
also suffered from fall goldenrod allergies (hay fever) to the point of ending
up in the urgent care and even ER year after year. I got more cortisone shots
than I care to remember and the doctors had me on twice the recommended dose of
allergy medications for years. Like with animals, I was miserable. My eyes and
ears were also affected. I can remember a time in high school when my ears
itched so badly I cried myself to sleep at night. I scratched my corneas twice
because I was rubbing my eyes so much. And this misery doesn't come
close to the embarrassment of starting school each year feeling like everyone
around me was avoiding me like I had the plague.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55uQCHXKjzsqzEN3f_ce6HYf35AfHvvKRe_GHfREMxN49Ho2Pbxo31mOPz7OJYrh7Ac1-eACCcBALjl_xSIQ4aF4G2HxdFPXi5csKta0BOGJF5RG3q2JfN1MJa_cDfc32Bk-kXTVLxyg/s1600/IC+and+Allergies.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="How are allergies and interstitial cystitis related?" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55uQCHXKjzsqzEN3f_ce6HYf35AfHvvKRe_GHfREMxN49Ho2Pbxo31mOPz7OJYrh7Ac1-eACCcBALjl_xSIQ4aF4G2HxdFPXi5csKta0BOGJF5RG3q2JfN1MJa_cDfc32Bk-kXTVLxyg/s320/IC+and+Allergies.png" title="Allergies and Interstitial Cystitis" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">After
I started hydroxyzine, however, I went through my first hay fever season and
barely noticed because I was so focused on getting my painful bladder under
control. But by the second fall, I realized I had no itchy ears, no swollen eyes,
and I hadn't run to Costco for a case of tissue. It took me a bit to figure out the
connection, but indeed, the antihistamine that was keeping the mast cells in my
bladder under control was also extremely effective at controlling my other
allergies. Considering all I had been through with my allergies,
this was a fairly good trade off in my mind!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I know people reading this are at <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2011/01/emotional-challenges-of-chronic-illness.html">different stages of acceptance with this disease</a>, and I want you to know I understand this is not an article to discount what you are feeling. But as you work through adjusting to your illness, h</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">opefully the rest of you find a couple of lessons in this as well. Look for the silver linings. (I
almost used the title of making lemonade out of lemons but you all would have
called me out on that one.) There may be things that are actually enriching
your life as you navigate this crazy business. Maybe you have more empathy for
others than you used to. Maybe you are more motivated to get healthier in other
ways. Maybe you have found different ways to attend to your family that are
more intimate and deliberate than just going through the motions. Or maybe you
can have cats in your home.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Let
me know if you have some silver linings from being an IC patient. I would love
to hear your positive stories.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Related Posts </span></h3>
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<a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2011/03/interstitial-cystitis-allergies-and.html">Interstitial
Cystitis: Allergy and Diet</a><o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XztFTXN2xTHoc6dvygQfaSfGN2rSQQd2sC_wkrjuofPK5rVaVN_HkChGTxmQ3SZ5nEaRNFf-i6PIxN7GRQAMX-UyzygkId8pRDKfwnJoZcoH5kSGig5fiklZEsfPHSmxKXDxOA6k3KA/s1600/How+does+Food+affect+bladder.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_XztFTXN2xTHoc6dvygQfaSfGN2rSQQd2sC_wkrjuofPK5rVaVN_HkChGTxmQ3SZ5nEaRNFf-i6PIxN7GRQAMX-UyzygkId8pRDKfwnJoZcoH5kSGig5fiklZEsfPHSmxKXDxOA6k3KA/s200/How+does+Food+affect+bladder.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">J<span style="font-family: inherit;">ulie Beyer, MA, RDN</span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 107%;"><a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For step by step guidance for creating your own
personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook"><span style="color: blue;">Confident Choices®: Customizing the
Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</span></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes,
see:<span style="color: blue;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Confident
Choices®: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</span></a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">For health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20">Interstitial
Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</a> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span>Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-87027517638057914232017-02-02T10:23:00.002-08:002018-12-06T19:43:35.332-08:00Hope, Health, and Healing for Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Patients<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDleFLORmdM27CSD9wAKh0l1WHX2g7yt4ODZbpgbA3iXYkmfhFZC5rUiF_Umdt5HUKQqPKEdiJAE9k6_SlpQy6LuT_DQLJWFDralgGFDfVxwPKAFV9RxCVjPPVp5ZoETGfYwRthVjmiOQ/s1600/Encouragement.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDleFLORmdM27CSD9wAKh0l1WHX2g7yt4ODZbpgbA3iXYkmfhFZC5rUiF_Umdt5HUKQqPKEdiJAE9k6_SlpQy6LuT_DQLJWFDralgGFDfVxwPKAFV9RxCVjPPVp5ZoETGfYwRthVjmiOQ/s320/Encouragement.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">I
want to address this post to newly diagnosed interstitial
cystitis/painful bladder patients. I know
you are scared, tired, and are having a hard time figuring things out. I
sense
the hours you are spending on the internet searching for nuggets of
truth among
the thousands, maybe millions of pages and social media accounts
dedicated to
this fickle and frustrating disease you are now faced with. I hear the
whispers
of hopelessness. I get it. I was there too. And even as a medical
professional, a dietitian, I was just as baffled as you about what was <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2016/08/how-did-i-become-interstitial-cystitis.html">happening
to me back in 1998</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">So, I thought I would take a moment
to tell you about what I do here. Maybe you are like most patients who figure
out, often before they are diagnosed, that some foods trigger their symptoms.
(Me? I kept saying, “I think my bladder is allergic to tomato sauce!”) To add
to the collective chaos of the IC community, this "bad food list" often
varies person to person. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Now, in dietitian language, we know
this type of food intolerance shows up in a variety of health conditions and we
use an elimination diet to help walk patients through the process of figuring
out their own personal trigger foods. With IC, of course, we don’t have to
start with plain chicken and green beans because we know there is a core group
of foods that affect most IC patients―the "top ten trigger foods.” Keep in
mind, interstitial cystitis is not taught in dietetics and nutrition programs,
so in the beginning, I had to figure things out for myself too. And, after
feeling like I would never be out of pain or get my life back, I gradually felt
better. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Then patients and leaders in the IC
community begged me, literally begged me to "write the book" about IC
and diet. So I dug in, way past my comfort zone, took some self-publishing
classes, and with the guidance and discipline developed writing about
IC/painful bladder syndrome in graduate school, I eventually came up with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook">Customizing
the Interstitial Cystitis Diet: A Confident Choices® Book</a></i> and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICCookbook">Confident
Choices®: A Cookbook for IC and OAB</a></i>. These books are the foundation of
my business. For most patients, I think these books are all you need to get
motivated to adapt your diet to your condition. For those who need more help
(such as people with multiple health conditions that require dietary
intervention) I do phone and video consultations. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Eventually, in a spark of inspiration,
I developed the tag line―the mantra and mission statement for my work with
interstitial cystitis patients. “Hope, Health, and Healing” became my guiding
principle as I expanded my work into more books and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InterstitialCystitisDiet/">social media</a>. It was
important to me to tell you and others that it isn’t hopeless. You can be healthy.
And I believe healing is possible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Finally, I ask those of you who have
worked with me to share your stories in the comments either here on or Facebook.
Let’s help these new IC brothers and sisters of ours get through these horrible
first days by sharing our wisdom and encouragement. Share your success stories.
Let’s show them that they are not alone!</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Related
Posts</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2014/07/interstitial-cystitis-help-ten-simple.html"><img alt="Painful Bladder Ten Simple Things to Feel Better Now" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgJsvGYgnJOmT4ph4ZY5Ib8W5YwEajR-ADSjlDHI-i6VSlqiJhOLctWAs7STXZg_kD2YmSy-gfT4ouReodF6gyIobk9tCBsYKYGYETCb7_q-cM6xah6AwH6ULyQ6zGApK-fQoA51W5U0/s200/Ten+Simple+Tips.png" title="Ten Simple Things You Can Do to Feel Better Today Interstitial Cystitis" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2014/08/three-thoughts-about-how-food-affects.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmL_WkfvVR-iN_FnBD21VRwRpmOp4es9B9UIWbyhUt7HBP6BfYYUD-bPUwIkqdTNHldejbRGLxybsQSJaFMNQX2dz-20rlKBJmRDn-LkNZfVwakD1CgFrnofHpiJjlbkxBi4nnQu_P3M/s200/How+does+Food+affect+bladder.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2013/02/normal-0-false-false-false-en-us-x-none.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9-UtrLFBuWTAlcfXuNqdBj37FLhgmx8bIcvdMD9xrV1OE0M2ZgyTCmVYcGCP8IY5J4OMcoYl8QoMQ99vWQzwUhUyM8kWLXfTArPpBkpFGsUdDWRM5Vqx_3OF6cdzqsozSm8uRyzhDmG8/s200/Clearing+the+Clutter.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2011/01/emotional-challenges-of-chronic-illness.html"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtZQrzcZPrk0iajVVcte1JjbFTUVuaEeo2wU2sy1S8fjbM12zlDyKB0VUqFrJC1QHVnlnhKL29XSxA3efjwiCVJJz0dsDj5neWd3HejsGRPWM0DhcHDOlvyFEYJXMP8AdM-WwQYi4B628/s200/grief.png" width="133" /></a><span id="goog_516803354"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_516803355"></span></div>
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<a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a></div>
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Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
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<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
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You CAN Feel Better! Just
Take It a Step at a Time</h3>
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<br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"> For step by step guidance for
creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <i><a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ConfidentChoices®: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></i></span></div>
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtq3kdfxIy7ZVLqKVkdHyFt4uYzdCcjNxIzj4dQwPspHhCmqJbPHaqkPVXZRVLoHhB-S1girRSNiEmvNDq5yda9bwhzubZ6awVO9ubibI7-9tPTjAUohIFSL4lYDKEE2Baxs8ER59_utc/s1600/CC+cover+5+small.jpg" /></a> </i></span>
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<br /></div>
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<br />
For some basic, family-style, IC
bladder-friendly recipes, see: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices®:A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<h3 style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6i1Q612l88M8D16kCsjdUJZAtEBOJRituYxWDEsSudzSY42Ql37Fd8LNnb9h4XZ-7h9uIqh-AfOO0qOIXC_D0LMBBxNajwy81Z0TNjT61w9TVDZ6m-QmwYo-ymgZ6HNssyB8Y37v06gs/s1600/RD+CC+Book+Cover2+very+small.jpg" /></a></h3>
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<br />
For health care workers: <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow">InterstitialCystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</a></i><span style="color: blue;"> </span>
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-18574410535932344282017-02-01T21:50:00.000-08:002019-10-21T20:31:30.493-07:00Set It and Forget It. Slow Cooker Meals for Sensitive Bladders<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGj0x7N7QgxerMtK0Ahhe9pMRQUMuHOB2so65XWnRaabNaxyiugcgWT1A1jxz-ZfGqhDRoAOsOg7mxIrRXKhRRo1XaDli_4opAx8m2A2LSx9oGsxbQiSTzFtOlrd8U4SKrJVHrcnJ8Zc/s1600/Set+It+and+Forget+It.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfGj0x7N7QgxerMtK0Ahhe9pMRQUMuHOB2so65XWnRaabNaxyiugcgWT1A1jxz-ZfGqhDRoAOsOg7mxIrRXKhRRo1XaDli_4opAx8m2A2LSx9oGsxbQiSTzFtOlrd8U4SKrJVHrcnJ8Zc/s320/Set+It+and+Forget+It.png" width="213" /></a></div>
The concept is simple. Throw meat and some vegetables into a
slow cooker, add some seasoning, and let it simmer all day. After a few hours
you and your family have a complete, home-cooked meal, with minimal effort and
maximum flavor. What could be better than that?<br />
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Of course, the benefits of using a slow cooker transcend the
ease of preparation. Most modern cookers not only use less energy than
conventional methods of preparing meals, but also are easier to clean. (For the
“cleanest” cooking option, try using <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B002U0KKK8/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">slow cooker liners</a>.) Meats prepared in a slow cooker are naturally tenderized by
the gradual cooking process allowing you to use cheaper and tougher cuts of meat. And finally, vegetables used in slow cooker recipes retain their nutrients better than
boiling in water where the vitamins and minerals can be destroyed by the higher
temperatures and lost in the water itself. </div>
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But what if your favorite slow cooker recipes have ingredients
like tomatoes and barbeque sauce that are less than bladder friendly? Remember,
the beauty of having home-cooked meals is your ability to control what is added
to the mix. The simplest meals made with fresh ingredients are of course the
best. Beef or pork roasts combined with potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion
with a little salt and pepper (if tolerated) is the most basic slow cooker
recipe. But the versatility of a slow cooker also includes an endless array of
casserole, stew, soup and even dessert recipes. </div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Slow Cooker Food
Safety and the “Danger Zone”</b></h4>
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Keep in mind, the same low temperature environment that
allows us to use slow cookers to prepare tender, flavorful meals over the
course of a day may require some tweaking of your cooking skills to keep it
safe. It is important to minimize the time the food spends in the temperature
“danger zone” (40°F to 140°F) where bacteria multiples the fastest. Here are
some suggestions:</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>Frozen meat can compromise the ability of the
cooker to move quickly through the danger zone. Thaw frozen meat in the
refrigerator overnight before using it in a slow cooker.</li>
<li>Minimize the time your meal spends in the food
safely danger zone by preheating the cooker and heating liquids before you add
them to the crock.</li>
<li>To prevent vegetables like peas, zucchini, and
corn from becoming mushy, many people like to add them in the last hour of
cooking. To keep the mixture’s temperature from dipping too far into the danger
zone, heat cold or frozen ingredients first before adding to the hot mixture in
the slow cooker.</li>
<li>If using dried beans such as kidney beans,
reconstitute and boil on the stove according to package directions before
adding to your slow cooker meal. Boiling beans beforehand not only speeds up
cooking, but more importantly, it releases the toxins that can become trapped
by a slow cooker’s closed environment.</li>
<li>Avoid lifting the lid of the slow cooker when in
use. This can lower the temperature significantly and increase the time to finish
the meal.</li>
<li>If you want to use an acid reducer like <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000WSLA6I/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Prelief</a> to help make the meal more bladder friendly, add it at the end,
preferably to individual servings. A slightly acidic environment when cooking
can help control food borne illness and works with the heat to tenderize meats.</li>
<li>Resist the temptation to taste-test until
everything has reached a safe temperature. Although the mixture may appear to
be boiling, the inside of larger pieces of meat may not be safe until the very
end. Use a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the meat to determine
temperature. Whole roasts should have a temperature of 145°F to 160°F, poultry,
soups, and stews should be 165°F.</li>
<li>After your meal, remove any leftovers from the
crock and refrigerate immediately in a shallow pan to allow speedy cooling. Do
not leave leftovers on the counter to cool. </li>
</ul>
For more information on slow cookers and
food safety, see the <a href="https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/topics/food-safety-education/get-answers/food-safety-fact-sheets/appliances-and-thermometers/slow-cookers-and-food-safety/ct_index">USDA
website</a>.
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate<br />
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/" target="_blank">www.ic-diet.com </a><br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Recipes</b></h3>
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<b>Slow Cooker Roast Beef Dinner</b></h4>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
<ul>
<li>3 to 4 pound beef roast, visible fat trimmed</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>4 medium potatoes, peeled and halved (can substitute sweet potatoes)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 stalks of celery, cut into 1/2-inch pieces</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 medium onion, quartered, if tolerated</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1/2 cup boiling water</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 tablespoon minced garlic</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 teaspoon salt</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1/2 teaspoon pepper, if tolerated</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 teaspoon dried basil</li>
</ul>
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From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20">Confident
Choices: A Cookbook for IC and OAB</a></div>
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<b>Directions</b> </div>
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It doesn’t get any easier than this!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Layer roast and vegetables in a 3 to 5 quart slow cooker.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Add water. Sprinkle in garlic, salt, pepper,
and basil. Cook on medium for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 6 hours.
Temperature of roast at its center should be a minimum of 145°F. </div>
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<b>Variations</b></div>
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<b>Chicken Dinner: </b>Substitute 5 to 7 skinned chicken breasts or thighs for
beef. Substitute rosemary for basil.</div>
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<b>Turkey Dinner: </b>Substitute 4 to 5 pound turkey breast for beef.
Substitute poultry seasoning for basil.</div>
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<b>Beef Stew: </b>Cup roast into 1-1/2 inch cubes. Increase water to 1-1/2 c.
One hour before serving:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mix 2 T. flour
with 1/2 c. warm water; stir until smooth. Stir gently into stew. Continue
cooking for at least an hour.</div>
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<b>Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<ul>
<li>3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>4 medium carrots, peeled and sliced into coins</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 stalks celery, cut into small, bite-sized pieces</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 medium sweet onion, diced</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 tablespoons butter or olive oil</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (MSG-free)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>6 cups MSG free chicken broth (Swanson’s is available almost
everywhere)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>½ teaspoon of salt</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>¼ teaspoon of black pepper (if tolerated)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 ½ cup cooked eggs noodles (I like Marie Callender’s brand found in
the freezer section)</li>
</ul>
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<b>Directions</b></div>
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Add whole chicken breasts to pre-heated, 5 to 6 quart slow cooker. Add
carrots, celery, onion, garlic, broth, and seasonings. Cover and cook on low
heat for 6 to 8 hours or until<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chicken
breasts reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Remove chicken breasts.
Chop into bite sized pieces and return to soup mixture. Add cooked noodles.
Cook for an additional 30 minutes. Serve hot. </div>
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<b>Slow Cooker Pumpkin Pudding</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<ul>
<li>1 - 15 ounce can solid pack pumpkin</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 - 12 ounce can evaporated milk (may use fat-free)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3⁄4<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cup sugar</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1⁄2<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cup biscuit baking mix such
as Bisquick </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 eggs, beaten</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 1⁄2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 teaspoons vanilla</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Whipped topping or vanilla ice cream (optional)</li>
</ul>
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<b>Directions</b></div>
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Mix pumpkin, milk, sugar, baking mix, eggs, butter, spice, and vanilla
in a large bowl until well blended. Put mixture into a 3 quarter or larger slow
cooker. Cover and cook on low temperature (not warm) for 7 hours. Serve with
whipped cream or ice cream as garnish. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCsVmxp47AWAnahBDm01hTkLoUn66ZY569uvBibG7aKzH8yIo2o8rJic6wg91SOpefI2dM4GewRRS3QXhwQfUp1NiJdE_9SoOWMTPL0FMwDISEC3sh6wbuI3T9uXPFNnn6oYPDoUoPgY/s1600/Applepear+sauce.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUCsVmxp47AWAnahBDm01hTkLoUn66ZY569uvBibG7aKzH8yIo2o8rJic6wg91SOpefI2dM4GewRRS3QXhwQfUp1NiJdE_9SoOWMTPL0FMwDISEC3sh6wbuI3T9uXPFNnn6oYPDoUoPgY/s200/Applepear+sauce.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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<h4>
Slow Cooker Pear-Apple Sauce</h4>
<div>
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<b>Ingredients</b></div>
<ul>
<li>3 large apples (peeled, cored, and cut into slices)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>3 large pears (peeled, cored, and cut into slices)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>2 teaspoons ground cinnamon</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>½ teaspoon ground cloves</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>⅓ cup water</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>¼ teaspoon salt</li>
</ul>
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<b>Directions</b></div>
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Combine all the ingredients in slow cooker, and put the top on. Cook
mixture on high for 4 hours, stirring twice during cooking. The pear-applesauce
will be slightly chunky. For a smoother sauce, use blender or immersion blender
to puree. Serve warm or cool sauce and store in the refrigerator for up to five
days. May be frozen. </div>
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<br />Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-21827565577152211232016-09-28T11:26:00.005-07:002018-12-06T19:46:01.593-08:00IC Diet: Should You Be Pro-Probiotics? <div class="entry-title" data-fontsize="18" data-lineheight="27">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoYC2zp1YLVjXxVeSdFDTftZU7brOiyazXDEu4f9nmE2j1iwfuEcz-xEYIkbhKZvmMsUV_mCc8lv55FuQm8MMMjsDBjsXJD-rVGrD4YnPmxNTwuQHXV1nfKIhhpQhKTxhVjWb9ynUpbo/s1600/Probiotics.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVoYC2zp1YLVjXxVeSdFDTftZU7brOiyazXDEu4f9nmE2j1iwfuEcz-xEYIkbhKZvmMsUV_mCc8lv55FuQm8MMMjsDBjsXJD-rVGrD4YnPmxNTwuQHXV1nfKIhhpQhKTxhVjWb9ynUpbo/s320/Probiotics.png" width="213" /></a></div>
It doesn’t take much research on good ol' Dr.
Google to find people recommending probiotic-laced foods or supplements
for a variety of health conditions including interstitial
cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. By now, many of us have heard of these
supplements that are supposed to replenish the good bacteria of the
“gut” (the layperson’s term for the organs of the gastrointestinal
system), but what exactly does that mean, who might benefit from them,
and is there one food or brand of supplement that is better? What about someone who may have taken boatloads of antibiotics like a person with IC/BPS? Should they take more or less probiotics?<br />
<br />
Part of what complicates the understanding of this subject is that
the science of intestinal bacteria colonies (the microbiome) and its relationship to conditions like painful bladders is still
evolving and is so new that even the most reliable sources of
information are either a bit sketchy or they are changing their position
frequently. In short, what you read about probiotics today may not be
the same information you find tomorrow. Yet, we do have a baseline of knowledge about the microbiome that is important to understand. Scientists tell us that our bodies are comprised of <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/strange-but-true-humans-carry-more-bacterial-cells-than-human-ones/">more bacteria cells than human cells</a>.
Now, many of you are thinking, how is that possible? Wouldn’t we die?
Aren’t bacteria bad? Well, the answer is more complex than that.</div>
<br />
<h3 data-fontsize="20" data-lineheight="30">
<b>The “Bad” Bacteria</b></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">We DO know that bacteria like e. coli, c. difficile, bacillus, and
salmonella can cause food poisoning as well as bowel, bladder and kidney
infections, even death. We DO know that streptococcus pyogenes (strep)
can cause skin infections and pneumonia, even death. And we DO know that
infamous sexually transmitted bacteria like gonorrhea and syphilis can
cause sterility, insanity, and yes…even death.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Why do I keep emphasizing death? Because you may not even realize it,
but death by bacterial infection was actually common a hundred years
ago. People even died from urinary tract infections. Yet, how often do we hear of people dying of bacterial infections
today? Very, very rarely. Because in a fairly short period of time,
scientists and <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/01/12/375663920/the-doctor-who-championed-hand-washing-and-saved-women-s-lives">doctors found ways to prevent the spread of bacteria</a>
through hand washing, sterilization of instruments, and the use of
antibacterial products like bleach, alcohol, and Lysol; and others
eventually discovered ways to fight the bacteria once it invaded the
body―<a href="https://explorable.com/history-of-antibiotics">antibiotics</a>
of various sorts. So yes, all of this is good, really good for the most
part…except…we also seem to have created a new set of problems,
unintended consequences, with all of this focus on cleanliness and
“cures.”</span><br />
<br />
<h3 data-fontsize="20" data-lineheight="30">
<b>The “Good” Bacteria</b></h3>
<span style="font-size: small;">You see, frequent use of those “lifesaving” antibiotics also seems to
wipe out or alter the colonies of good bacteria we have in our body.
Think of it this way. When you take certain antibiotics, you may be
forcing many of the good bacteria to leave the neighborhood (the
colonies they form on the intestinal lining) allowing space for other
“bad” bacteria (primarily e. coli and c. difficile) to “move” in and
take their place. This is even more tragic when you consider many people with painful bladders were treated as though they had an infection when really they had interstitial cystitis.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Yet, the good bacteria serve a multitude of important functions in
our body, and likely provide many more benefits than we even know about
at this time. For example, we know that good bacteria in the body,
primarily in the intestinal tract, help break down food into smaller packages of nutrients
the body can use. We know that good bacteria can aid the immune system
and keep other organisms like bad bacteria and yeast from overwhelming
our systems. The good bacteria may even play a role in weight
management by producing a hormone which triggers satiety in the host
(you!). Finally, it is theorized that disruption of the intestinal
bacteria can also alter the permeability of the intestinal wall,
allowing elements past the protective layer of cells deeper into the
structure of the organs, potentially causing inflammatory reactions and
disease. Because of all of these functions, a disruption of intestinal
bacterial colonies has been linked not only to gastrointestinal diseases
like inflammatory bowel disease, but also c. difficile and yeast
infections, diabetes, and obesity.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Recent research into interstitial cystitis (and others) have found
that patients are lacking in important beneficial bacteria. Known as the
DIPP Mystery, these bacteria play important roles in the health of the
cells lining our gut. Additional studies are being conducted to
determine if men with chronic prostatitis also have similar
deficiencies. Why this has occurred is a mystery though a strong
contender is the long term exposure to antibiotics over our lifetimes. <a href="http://www.ic-network.com/dipp-mystery-ic-patients-deficient-bacteria-gut/">Learn more about the DIPP Mystery here! </a></span><br />
<br />
<h3 data-fontsize="20" data-lineheight="30">
<b>Establishing and Maintaining the Body’s Bacterial Balance</b></h3>
Certainly, all of that anti-bacteria warfare was and still is
important. We definitely don’t want to go back to the days when people
died just because they cut their finger while carving meat or they had a
baby. We certainly don’t want children to lose their hearing because of
repeat damage to their ears by bad bacterial infections. So what can we
do to respect and maintain the microbiome (friendly bacterial colonies)
that co-exists in our bodies?<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Consume plenty of fruit, vegetables, and high fiber foods.</b>
Don’t be too concerned if there are fruits you cannot eat. Most painful bladder
patients can eat a wide enough variety of fruits and vegetables to
supply their bodies (and their microbiome) with plenty of vitamins,
minerals, and carbohydrates to get the job done.</li>
<li><b>Consume some fermented foods. </b>Fermented foods
provide and stimulate the growth of friendly bacteria. This can be hard
for some people with interstitial cystitis since many fermented foods
like sauerkraut, kimchi, and soy-based foods like tempeh are almost
always hard on an IC bladder. Other fermented and cultured foods like
yogurt and kefir may be less problematic. As a bladder patient you may
be hesitant to try yogurt or kefir; however, with all of the varieties
and flavors available, you are likely to find one or two that suit you.
Look for labels that say “active cultures.” Some yogurts and even
cheeses are fortified with additional cultures. Read the labels<b> </b>and only avoid the foods that affect YOUR bladder. A true IC diet is an individualized diet. </li>
<li><b>Only take antibiotics when you absolutely need to. </b>That
doesn’t mean you shouldn’t go to the doctor if you think you have a
urinary tract or sinus infection. Rather, don’t just take random
antibiotics until the clinician has evaluated your culture to determine
the exact medication you need. (A bladder analgesic like
phenazopyridine―found in medications like <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012384KC/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20/" rel="nofollow">AZO Standard</a>―can help you get
through the day or so of waiting to see if you have a UTI.) Consider
this: many IC patients have taken multiple courses of unneeded
antibiotics in the history of their disease, before someone figured out
that they really didn’t have an infection; so let’s not add to that
history that may have made your intestines and microbiome fragile.</li>
<li><b>If you need antibiotics, complete the course following the physician’s directions.</b>
If you are supposed to take it three times a day, do it. If you are
supposed to take it for seven days but you start to feel better on day
four, keep taking it until it is gone. The prescription is regulated to
help you fight the bad bacteria in the most effective manner. Is it
still killing good bacteria? Most likely yes…but without the whole
prescription, you risk allowing the strongest of the bad bacteria to
survive, setting you up for resistant infections in the future. The last thing a person with IC needs is a deeply imbedded, resistant infection! </li>
<li><b>Ask your physician about taking probiotic supplements.</b>
Many IC patients have added probiotics to their treatment plans. Today probiotics are not only found in health food stores, but also at
pharmacies and big box stores like Costco and Walmart. Common commercial
brands include <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007A2YQV0/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow">Culturelle</a>, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0031RGL66/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow">Align</a>, and <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007RA6A3M/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow">TruBiotics</a>. <a href="http://www.javacid.com/" rel="nofollow">JAVAcid</a>, an acid reducer, also contains important pro and prebiotics!</li>
</ol>
Will taking a probiotic cure a disease like interstitial cystitis or modify its symptoms? <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3424311/">The science is still being explored</a>.
Since we are only now beginning to identify the over 500 strains of
bacteria that co-exist in the microbiome of our bodies, it is likely
that different conditions may require different probiotic supplements.
As we often say in nutrition science, “Stay tuned!”<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a><br />
<br />
<b>Related:</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0012384KC/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20/" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE6Hr6RBq62wotTs2lPzWa-H8rjk9yjys1wjbnmeO-M_BQi8Tvw62f5iNbMD_zqkkZLZakA1-TW34tRfjUU2vumwXbTr54MZ7RlFlV7esyYlLa4nM3FZ3HwOCMWLZp0vL_WSe0jYTE_DY/s200/AZO.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B007A2YQV0/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank"><img alt=" Culturelle Probiotics" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx7g3byt41FfmljJR39fF1LfC7S5ajSUDVdxyP4Eku4C_wbCg6FEMRoull7Zl1PeZtf2JjoiDYjOnoTRuYXX2dsHq_Lki5SayhNgjQLd0H13F0kZHlMGFGZe9ma-_JkigxqNSCbZjSIcY/s200/Culturellepin.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0031RGL66/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank"><img alt=" Align Probiotics" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj6gayVB3CkNMGs9oT7e6WXwhIOPqzeDlrSwPGziXQvSd112QN6kdDKu8n3uY-oR-_Rv-4BuW_xnIWNWyLtUfeXDrQBLburxSao5Egr6uzWruj2s96Ab2Db1ObDvZaig6kJMCmiNYo-s0/s200/Align+pin.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xS-DXK9fPAjR9D_bMwhsjwoBCmjG6nXO8khBl00Nc-4dwkKaFjmU52VeoW0XBuOtPNcjj5sr5c98QSw-UnQMFCvq094t6EZJOkje1jXJJzMbdxT4VWrOpGCI-inyCAyHrVqAGwnWm6E/s1600/Trubioticspin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xS-DXK9fPAjR9D_bMwhsjwoBCmjG6nXO8khBl00Nc-4dwkKaFjmU52VeoW0XBuOtPNcjj5sr5c98QSw-UnQMFCvq094t6EZJOkje1jXJJzMbdxT4VWrOpGCI-inyCAyHrVqAGwnWm6E/s200/Trubioticspin.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
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<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b> </b><b><h3 style="text-align: left;">
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<b><br /></b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<b>Just Tell Me What to Eat!</b></h3>
</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span><br />
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-46035880581824636912016-09-25T19:13:00.002-07:002018-12-06T19:46:39.747-08:00The Mental Gymnastics of Chronic Illness: Why Me?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's face it. Everyone with interstitial cystitis or other chronic disease has asked the question. We wonder if antibiotics or gluten or too much sugar have caused our painful bladders. Or we blame our diagnosis of interstitial cystitis on an abdominal surgery. Or we try to pinpoint our diagnosis to a major stressful event. Of course, we don't just throw guesses around about ourselves; this fascination with why people get sick often extends to others: <i>"Did you hear Peggy has breast cancer? It must be all of that coffee she drinks."</i> Or just as likely, <i>"Can you believe that Mike has diabetes? But he is so healthy! He always eats well and he just ran a marathon last fall!" </i>Honestly, a sick person can never win the blame game!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
When Healthy People Get Sick </h3>
Let's use my friends as an example. Most people I know live very healthy lifestyles, yet even among my dietitian colleagues, two are fighting breast cancer, one was just diagnosed with celiac disease, and another discovered she had multiple sclerosis a few years ago. These people are long distance hikers, marathon runners, yoga instructors, and even vegans. And me? I have always eaten healthy, was a normal weight, and walked four miles each day until I was diagnosed with IC and later with a genetic form of heart disease. From a cause and effect perspective this is perplexing, so we ponder and propose, fret and fume....why me? How did I get this sick?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, I am here to remind you (as I have to do myself!) that even if there are some possible triggers for many diseases or genetic predispositions to others, the fact remains that the causes of chronic disease like interstitial cystitis and illnesses like cancer and celiac disease are often a mystery even to doctors. <b><i>In most cases, you didn't do anything to "cause" your body to "rebel." </i></b>There are many complex factors that play into whether a person gets sick or not...so many factors that even if you think you "know" why you got sick, it is probably an overly simplistic explanation. </div>
<br />
I have heard people say, "I drank a lot of coffee, so I got IC." Maybe....but there are also a lot of people in the world who drink a lot of coffee who do not get interstitial cystitis. And although many IC patients describe their illness developing after a particularly stressful event like a divorce or building a house, others go through those situations and don't end up with painful bladders for the rest of their lives. That is just life.....and so is getting sick. So although there are those rare human beings like my husband's Grandma Grace, who made it to 93 without any serious illness in her life, most people get "something" eventually. IC is just our "thing."<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So how is a person with chronic illness supposed to sort all of this out? Maybe we don't. Maybe instead of spending hours every day trying to get to the bottom of "why," we leave that question for the scientists to debate and we concentrate on getting better. We eat as many fruits and vegetables as we can to get natural sources of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. We choose high quality, lean proteins to help our bodies heal and strengthen our immune system. We consume a modest amount of healthy fats from olive oil and fish each day. We practice stress management techniques like meditation and taking deep breaths. And, of course, we move our bodies more. We take an active role in doing healthy things to make our bodies as strong as possible. What about you? What are you doing to foster a sense of wellness despite having a chronic illness?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><span id="goog_516803887"></span><a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><span id="goog_516803888"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Related Links:</b><br />
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<a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2011/01/emotional-challenges-of-chronic-illness.html" target="_blank"></a><a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2011/01/emotional-challenges-of-chronic-illness.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jlwb3PZq3ywheQlRl3Kl2mKGIDw2kboburFnepTK6rc9IgZk1DXcOa8vdWQPkgebQsXlhLQ_BX_VxRvTwhm4jgQm43MyaeTOgajpo2JtIxQCVKCN7l7urGZM76mhVfxmPk1S3tgkHS8/s200/grief.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2013/02/interstitial-cystitis-staying-active.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgln0pw_FZmQzbVAhYH6mLqJ_NQ-zh-WuHAsOn7bGVjQB9mNWnFQ-3d9M-eE24DAVL0KJHHplbe8MF36gMY7N3ApjbiR_fqHfukdiSg6mR4ep5IfQExoT-1M7IdKHdglHYrVUN_a0DoU3A/s200/Staying+Active.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2014/07/interstitial-cystitis-help-ten-simple.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrsjawimp6Ppgl5Bx3M_G9NomGo2wdFIP0oRfu7tmgpcHxrqjRnQ36Z1ZqV7BaWH5HK6Z5qLqfaVoGFk-BSAWP1Pt52C8NP4vDxMGBmqwgsmoU7c5QZKp4a2YaZrYbVngACF8TXl1E988/s200/Ten+Simple+Tips.png" width="133" /></a> </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a></div>
<b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-63335309037376182012016-08-12T20:08:00.000-07:002018-12-06T19:47:28.889-08:00How Did I Become an Interstitial Cystitis Diet "Expert?" Well Let Me Tell You!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmSBO-F2CPEBC0_LfcM2i9Uf5VU8KOg-3VSfszHUF9asc-SXkkA49yxvkktlk18v-_74ZVjFGW0ASG1uPTr8Nu5NV2tvtQ4BeCUIU0VrA-2-kpAKRv-YdKWDEfhkpiCe6d3Xgp6ZjAo4/s1600/Keep+Calm+Pin.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmSBO-F2CPEBC0_LfcM2i9Uf5VU8KOg-3VSfszHUF9asc-SXkkA49yxvkktlk18v-_74ZVjFGW0ASG1uPTr8Nu5NV2tvtQ4BeCUIU0VrA-2-kpAKRv-YdKWDEfhkpiCe6d3Xgp6ZjAo4/s320/Keep+Calm+Pin.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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You know, sometimes you get smart about stuff you never wanted to
be smart about and that is what happened to me. In the mid-1990s, I was
working as an outpatient hospital dietitian when I saw my first IC
patients. Besides wondering how in the world I could help them with this
frustrating disease, I was also thinking, “Boy, their symptoms sound
like mine!” See, I had been struggling with “bladder infections” and painful urination for
years, yet test did not show bacteria in the urine.<br />
<br />
I tried everything―avoiding baths, drinking gallons of
cranberry juice (you too?), and taking boatloads of antibiotics. I saw
several doctors and began to think I was going crazy. My symptoms were
getting worse and worse over time and I was beginning to suspect that I
had something worse than an everyday urinary tract infection (UTI).<br />
<h4>
From Denial to Healing to Helping Others</h4>
<br />
Fast forward to 1998, when I found a great interstitial
cystitis doctor, and I began my journey to get well. Although there
wasn’t any research to support the idea that diet could make a
difference in interstitial cystitis patients, I joined the <a href="http://www.ic-network.com/forum/forum.php" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0685b0;" target="_blank">Interstitial Cystitis Network’s Patient Support Forum</a>
and “met” thousands of people with IC who were experimenting with diet
modification with great results. I tried eliminating the top ten foods
and felt immensely better. I started helping people online and over the
phone and eventually, wrote my first book for bladder pain patients, <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724677/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0685b0;" target="_blank">Confident Choices®: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet</a> in 2005.<br />
<br />
In addition to that first book, which was updated in 2010, I also answered the call of patients and published <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0685b0;" target="_blank">Confident Choices®: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a>, a fingertip ready guide to over 200 bladder friendly recipes, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #0685b0;" target="_blank">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</a>,
giving dietitians, nurses, and other health care professionals the
information they need to help interstitial cystitis patients make
confident dietary choices.<br />
<br />
To be honest, the journey hasn't been too bad. Although I wish I
didn’t have IC, I never would have met the amazing people I have over
the past 20 years, nor would my career have gone in the direction of
publishing books, writing for national publications, and speaking around
the country to patients and nutrition professionals without it. I
certainly never thought I would I find myself among a small number of
nutrition experts in the United States who know how to help interstitial
cystitis patients using diet to control the symptoms of this painful
bladder condition.<br />
<br />
More than anything, I am just like you. I know the
frustration of having more education about my disease than the medical
professionals I try to get help from. I understand balancing my dietary
restrictions with the wants and needs of my family. I have felt the
fatigue and anxiety of standing in a grocery store wondering what I can
eat. And I have experienced the emotional ups and downs as I navigated
the fickleness of having a painful bladder that interjects itself in
every corner of my life. I not only have the science and experience, I
have the empathy and understanding to help you and other people with
interstitial cystitis navigate the path to healing.<br />
<br />
To learn more about my journey, see <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2010/10/my-ic-story.html">My IC Story</a>. What is your story?<br />
<br />
<a href="http://ic-diet.com/about.html" target="_blank">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate<br />
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Related:<br />
<br />
<a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-mental-gymnastics-of-chronic.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWDhaR62-xLE25PLX4zCPBKAVDUatuz3Mo-NQp1QX_2MO_dz9VbUP7DsmvZMjHotFUkMbR4FZGXwpCW-Lg0jw3N_Sz29EVg8I3_E5AS_XCEGvyiivdDe_d7adktIrY-ATalZL4MkanoFY/s200/Why+me+pin.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a> <a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2011/01/emotional-challenges-of-chronic-illness.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jlwb3PZq3ywheQlRl3Kl2mKGIDw2kboburFnepTK6rc9IgZk1DXcOa8vdWQPkgebQsXlhLQ_BX_VxRvTwhm4jgQm43MyaeTOgajpo2JtIxQCVKCN7l7urGZM76mhVfxmPk1S3tgkHS8/s200/grief.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-10907772125579582522016-07-22T20:38:00.001-07:002018-12-08T00:00:22.710-08:00Planning Vegetarian Meals on an Interstitial Cystitis Diet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTxsOc2xKq31uxgBYL0ESQwJPU_koaoeRWcEkKL9-7zK5rsHt19RdkOtsvDD97TT8e2Jdjcrj6B5s1nhdzeMVE1i_sZ3EA8aMh0ZbWV5OUYyU-PvtFxFmrafBhs5vBnH1bYuT7FbHsIg/s1600/vegetarian.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtTxsOc2xKq31uxgBYL0ESQwJPU_koaoeRWcEkKL9-7zK5rsHt19RdkOtsvDD97TT8e2Jdjcrj6B5s1nhdzeMVE1i_sZ3EA8aMh0ZbWV5OUYyU-PvtFxFmrafBhs5vBnH1bYuT7FbHsIg/s320/vegetarian.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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I am often asked whether a person with interstitial cystitis can create a meal plan on a vegan diet. I always hesitate to answer because a vegan diet is challenging enough without the additional
restrictions of another special diet like that for IC, but I will try here.</div>
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Keep in mind, not all vegetarian diets are the same. Just to get everyone on the same page, here are some
definitions that can help:</div>
<ul>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vegetarian
diets</b> in general do not include meat, poultry, or fish, although
some people who eat vegetarian meals may include fish occasionally. The
term "vegetarian" is fairly generic and doesn't describe whether or not
a person consumes other animal products such as milk or eggs.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Lacto-ovo
vegetarian diets</b> avoid all meats, but DO include milk and eggs. You
may also hear of people who will only use milk products but not eggs
(lacto vegetarian), or eggs but not milk products (ovo vegetarian).<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b></li>
<li><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Vegan diets</b> don't include any animal products at all
and, by nature, are the most restrictive and difficult to balance
nutritionally. There is some debate whether products created by animals
(like honey) should be included in a vegan diet. </li>
</ul>
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In addition to various religious restrictions, many
people consume a vegetarian diet for the advertised health benefits of
higher fiber, and anti-oxidant consumption, and lower saturated fat. <br />
<h3>
</h3>
<h3>
Which Vegetarian Diet Works for You? </h3>
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I don't usually recommend a strictly vegan diet for
people with IC unless there is a strong religious or personal moral
conviction against eating meat or other animal products. Besides the
fact that foods that are generally a staple of a vegan diet like soy
(including edamame, soy milk, and tofu), tomatoes, citrus fruits, and
some legumes (fava and lima beans) can increase interstitial cystitis symptoms, many IC
patients find that a consuming high quality protein each day helps them feel
better.</div>
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Therefore, a good compromise to a vegan diet might be a
lacto-ovo vegetarian diet. People with interstitial cystitis generally find that eggs are
soothing when they are in a flare, and also, many feel that vanilla milk
shakes, warm milk with vanilla, or cottage cheese are soothing foods. Try adding <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001FXU9GQ/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank">egg white protein</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000GISTZ4/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank">whey protein</a> to shakes and smoothies. You could also consider including fish one or two times a week. Some choose organic sources of eggs and milk/milk products to
minimize exposure to hormones, steroids, and other chemicals that could
stimulate your IC symptoms.</div>
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If you choose not to consume any animal products at
all, it becomes essential to "complete" your protein intake by consuming
the various types of plant based foods each day. A good rule of thumb is
to include something from each of the amino acid rich plant groups each
day: vegetables, legumes, grains, and nuts/seeds. Each of these food
groups supplies a different set of "essential amino acids." Combining
these essential amino acids helps ensure that you are getting the most
protein possible out of a vegan diet.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/" style="text-align: left;">www.ic-diet.com</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000GISTZ4/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" whey protein from Amazon affiliate link" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdJeVazVdsOKzjvTnWfG3TkQhR38Ka-ym1KhvqvvuLXbihYnjKi-r_am6zyC3xvwlIF7pzDRazSMDVKf3whjL6gWY0PuGYt9RDzIbXvx-tEQoMvWPGRxuz_23cIUgEZyem6DXc3Az73LY/s200/Whey+PIN.png" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B001FXU9GQ/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img alt=" Egg White Protein " border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3GNzQSuAZD0c1XBLcB84qmVNkkHss9kelx_tYpHKg3DEONjK3F2u54ebmxRcwa3i4xpm1iP0mk1kxMpAE57dAafFtbz8f04dN86rcVKFmTBSkGKXcM1saWkaW6sk_XwW6_hmdSz3NwvE/s200/Egg+white+protein+PIN.png" width="133" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a><b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-59079168446874212772016-07-12T13:08:00.002-07:002018-12-08T19:49:41.327-08:00What Do Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oils) Have to Do with Interstitial Cystitis/Painful Bladder Syndrome?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the most common questions I get about interstitial
cystitis and diet is, "What supplements should I take?" The answer is
not quite so easy since in most cases, we can get a balanced diet from just
eating a wide variety of foods. One exception may be sources of omega-3 fatty
acids which are important for cellular protection, immune support, as well as
cardiovascular health. Omega 3 fatty acids are healthy fats found in foods in
three main forms: DHA, EPA, and ALA.</div>
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DHA and EPA, or the “fish oils”, are found in salmon, trout,
and other fish. These omega-3 sources have been shown by some studies to reduce
a person’s risk for heart disease, eye disease, and possibly cancer. DHA has
been studied in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients and may act as a partial
mediator, possibly lowering the risk of AD in some genetic forms of the
condition. ALA is found in flaxseed and in small quantities in canola
and soy. ALA has not been show to have any significant effects in humans and
must be converted to DHA in order to be used, hardly an efficient process. In
addition, some studies have discovered that men who eat an average of 1,500 mg.
a day of ALA in the form of flax seed oil actually have two times the risk of
advanced prostate cancer than those who consumed half that amount. Consumption
of flax seeds have not been shown to be a problem for men, and ALA in general
does not seem to be a problem for women. </div>
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So why all the hype? Although there isn't any direct evidence
that omega-3 fatty acid consumption is related to interstitial cystitis, there
is emerging research suggesting that low levels of omega-3s may correlate with
inflammatory conditions. In addition, omega-3 fatty acids are, in general,
important for cellular health. They are a key component of cell membranes and
important for healthy cell replication. This is especially true of epithelial
(skin) cells. Many people may not know that the urothelial cells of the bladder
wall are very similar to the epithelial cells of the skin. It wouldn’t be too
much of a stretch then to believe that omega-3 fatty acids could be important
for a healthy bladder. </div>
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Omega-3s, like other nutrients, don’t stand alone, so the
best way to get these essential nutrients is directly from food. Consuming
three to four servings of fatty fish a week provides most people with the
amount of omega-3 fatty acids needed to maintain good health. Some fish may be
contaminated with heavy metals or other toxins, so it is important to vary the type
of fish consumed and not consume these fish if you are pregnant, nursing, or if
your physician has cautioned you against eating fish. The ALA in flax seeds is
best digested when the seeds are ground just prior to eating. Flax seeds are
also a great source of fiber and lignans, nutrients being investigated for use
in the prevention and even treatment of a variety of conditions. </div>
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If you are interested in taking omega-3 fatty acids in
supplement form there are a few common sense guidelines:</div>
<ul>
<li>Look for a supplement with more EPA than DHA. A
ration of 3:2, EPA to DHA, is common</li>
<li>Avoid supplements made from algae oil, which
contain only DHA.<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> </li>
<li>Avoid cod liver oil. It is high in vitamin A,
which can be toxic in large doses.<span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> </li>
<li>Look for brands that meet certification
standards, such as the International Fish Oils Standard (IFOS) or the United
States Pharmacopeia Convention (USP).</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000NPYY04/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank">Omega-3 supplements from capsules, liquid or gels are equally effective</a>. Some brands claim to be odorless, however these are usually
more expensive. Most people find that taking the supplements with a meal works
best.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com</a><br />
<br />
<b>Related:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000NPYY04/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" target="_blank"><img alt=" Fish Oil for IC/BPS" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTk5Idgc1DA0qkfS1uCeyNZ9H255NRs8-eUpi9Q3FXx4aIeZ2fK9ZE21OxISZo0oaDLrxBUaQ0a_RddkxgzwDWNe91y-EsUPvoojcURlnLIt9BaNy9T6CZ1cJhau7WpFO__MB07jNS1ow/s200/Fish+Oil+for+IC.png" width="133" /></a> <a href="http://desertharvest.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="http://desertharvest.com/" border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid4UJkBPlZXDtXgI_yKnrlS8LSbpmryZyGyLXTKqco0ue2aUtOSWl5lCxt_QqS1HrzwdNDev6ZaTs7zB8FWU8HMDrwIL837_tEpr9zdprefK9PXKnjCiyAjdA44v1q1hLhT_Q_WXRmE3I/s200/DH+10+OFF+.png" width="133" /></a></div>
</div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a><b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-31786356397781372792016-07-09T08:46:00.000-07:002018-12-08T20:02:08.390-08:00Balancing the Bad with the Good: Managing Stress Helps Manage IC Symptoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqn3coFTPpOrl1FnDdJZ5lYlRaUZIgygFXvd62Jpke_elHON-aFMQ6zpDYX1MtN1sfARfFcBCFB9qkPY-LLQx6PKZIvGBR6oZXOs_ePG0BAusnbEY92owpLOZRx0DfqEAnK7MryTsQGI/s1600/peace1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Making Peace with Stress" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuqn3coFTPpOrl1FnDdJZ5lYlRaUZIgygFXvd62Jpke_elHON-aFMQ6zpDYX1MtN1sfARfFcBCFB9qkPY-LLQx6PKZIvGBR6oZXOs_ePG0BAusnbEY92owpLOZRx0DfqEAnK7MryTsQGI/s320/peace1.jpg" title="Balancing the Bad with the Good: Managing Stress Helps Manage IC Symptoms" width="264" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhZqxKpqhyphenhyphenUQnYhyQtQD46ziR01dSN1XcSpTKKX85elmoNb-DoOtfSnzUldLe7QIKSuoWfruX3gveBCu0QCOhI-d6hLvwZfNDt7v3M77d6fR_ot6rDF-TGPhm2mRX4POT_Hop7GzWttF8/s1600/8a7099c964cc68a7278d4e9b3b79e1cf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
How are you feeling? I mean really feeling today? As I write this, the world is messy right now. And sad. And confused. And if you are like me, all of this unease can settle in your body as depression and anxiety as well as physical pain. No matter what is happening in your world, sometimes it is helpful to take a break from the "breaking news" and alarming stories we hear day after day.<br />
<br />
Yes, bad things happen and as human beings, we want to be "in the know" at all times. But it is becoming too much. Each news story is worse than the last. It is easy to believe some days that the world is truly coming to an end....but let's consciously and deliberately balance what we are putting in our minds. Remember the "random acts of kindness" trend? Let's try that again. Talk to your family. Talk to your neighbor. Look people in the eye and smile...offer to help people who need a hand. Be kind to servers in restaurants and leave a little extra tip. Say something positive to everyone you meet..."you have nice eyes, the color of your shirt lights up your face." Teach a child how to be kind to animals...they will grow to be kind to humans later. Go to a place of worship....or fill yourself with peacefulness by visiting a forest. Take a look at a flower blooming...or a blade of grass....or let sand run through your fingers. Buy an adult coloring book and let your creativity flow. If we change our perception of the world....the world will change.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b> </b><b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span><br />
<br />
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<br />Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-51162628404964630272016-05-01T23:06:00.000-07:002018-12-10T18:30:12.460-08:00Are You a Victim or Victor?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEojpwLOZHhYaBcN1MM6FFGQDzNB_DumQbs_TSz9cB3xUCisCcHIXxh5SIYOP1WxRW0LtzRVKD-A4XOENZ2371cEXTFOx57fw70zW7w-2fo12kKkK96J5WPvsOaWYrDIroW3ZIdLwmX4/s1600/Are+You+a+Victim+or+a+Victor_.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEojpwLOZHhYaBcN1MM6FFGQDzNB_DumQbs_TSz9cB3xUCisCcHIXxh5SIYOP1WxRW0LtzRVKD-A4XOENZ2371cEXTFOx57fw70zW7w-2fo12kKkK96J5WPvsOaWYrDIroW3ZIdLwmX4/s320/Are+You+a+Victim+or+a+Victor_.png" width="213" /></a></div>
By Guest Blogger, <span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 30px;">Maria McConville, MS, RDN, CPT, CWC</span></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Victim</i>: <span style="color: #2d2f32; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">one
that is tricked, duped, mistreated, injured, destroyed, or sacrificed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="color: #2d2f32; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">Victor</span></i><span style="color: #2d2f32; mso-bidi-font-family: OpenSans; mso-bidi-font-size: 16.0pt;">:
</span>one
who defeats an enemy or opponent – a winner.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We all know what it feels like to be a victim of something. Being
victimized makes us feel powerless, defeated, and demoralized. But to be the
victor, we feel strong, powerful, and confident.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Could being a victim or victor be a choice?<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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I believe in many circumstances, yes, it is our choice. Whether we are
the victim or the victor depends a great deal on our Locus of Control (LOC). Those with more <i>external</i> LOC
blame other people or bad luck for things that happen and feel they have little
to no control. Those with stronger <i>internal</i>
LOC hold themselves responsible for the things that transpire in their lives
and feel that they are in control. Let
me give you a few examples:</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A person with more external LOC may say, “I can’t eat healthy because
my spouse is a meat and potatoes person and that’s what I have to cook.” Or, “I can’t exercise because I have a stressful
job and after work, I drive my kids
around to all their activities.” These
people tend to be the victims of their surroundings or circumstances. They are
the people who show up late for a meeting but blame the traffic for their lateness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Conversely, a person with more internal LOC may say, “My spouse
prefers meat and potatoes so I make and eat a small amount of those, but I fill
my plate with vegetables.” Or, “While my
kids are at soccer practice, I will walk on the track next to their practice
field.” These people hold themselves responsible for not adequately planning
for traffic instead of blaming the traffic . <o:p></o:p></div>
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When we point the finger at others or circumstances, we absolve
ourselves of responsibility and fall victim, feeling weak and overwhelmed. Taking
responsibility, on the other hand, helps us become in command and triumphant.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Being a victim of our circumstances holds us back from meaningful and
purposeful growth and change. It keeps us stuck in our muck. But, through choosing to take control over
our thoughts and circumstances and orienting to a more internal LOC, we propel
ourselves forward and progress with decisive action.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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A very poignant example of this concept comes from the story of Viktor
Frankl who was a Jewish prisoner in the death camps in Nazi
Germany. Frankl’s capturers treated him
horribly, as you can imagine. However,
Frankl decided that the one thing the German guards could not take from him was
his freedom to choose his thoughts. Between his torture and his response to it,
was his freedom or power to choose that response. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Frankl chose not to be disparaged or
victimized. He helped other prisoners
find meaning in their suffering and dignity in their prison existence. They did not let the atrocities steal the freedom
of their thoughts and they refused to fall victim to their atrocious situation.
Liberated after three years in concentration camps, Frankl returned to his home
country of Vienna, where he lectured on psychological healing. He wrote his
world-famous book entitled, <i>Man’s Search
for Meaning.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I often wonder whether it was happenstance that “Viktor” was
Frankl’s first name… perhaps it was no coincidence at all. Choosing to be the victor will help you take
control of the lifestyle habit you want to change whether it is losing weight,
starting to exercise, or eating better.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We can orient ourselves to a more internal LOC by taking
responsibility for our thoughts, emotions, action, and subsequently our
circumstances. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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What will you choose… Victim or “Viktor?”<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0986148202/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_O7itub4BRkHt2u6X7bV1fq4kMI1iOzcD79nqcvR4YuujRtm0ZvDUPL0kT3l0MIxtiwXJvBHIYY0bUA3e4AR2MUUHtYXew2wP_wj_vHmyqTYrOCTE_izkZFwGHK_gPLAAb3ftnzWiUQQ/s200/Lost+the+Diet+Find+Yourself.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
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Maria McConville is a registered dietitian nutritionist and author of the weight-loss workbook, <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0986148202/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Lose the Diet – Find Yourself</a></i> for sale on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0986148202/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow">Amazon.com</a>. To learn more about Maria and her book, visit her website: <a href="http://www.balancedbodynourishment.com/">www.balancedbodynourishment.com</a>. </div>
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<br />
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<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a><b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
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Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-52793905098405851452016-01-25T10:59:00.000-08:002016-10-05T18:39:54.380-07:00Beauty and the "Beast!" An Interstitial Cystitis Patient Speaks Out<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Britani Warner" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi75r1lfJuOjL3AFowMish2U8IOuukmrk4EYJqIbU3LhUOWjIhsB4bFrwZnsDaChnnbRzYNc7V1Q9aQFv8KdmFBs08mKcu2GmDgPB9sWgdQm2hWYyYCPwvHfrfHwErd5yHBte_2ZP4FBjU/s400/me.jpg" title="Britani Warner Beauty and the "Beast"" width="398" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">IC patient Britani Warner, "I will not let my illness take over all of who I am."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>From Julie: I am the first to admit that one of the benefits of working in the interstitial cystitis online communities of the <a href="http://www.ic-network.com/forum" target="_blank">ICN Forum</a> and my Facebook pages (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JulieBeyer.InterstitialCystitisDiet/" target="_blank">Confident Choices</a></i><i><b>®</b> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InterstitialCystitisDiet/" target="_blank">Interstitial Cystitis Diet</a>) is that I have met some fantastically resilient people who are not shy about sharing their chronic illness stories and coping strategies. One of my new friends, Britani Warner, agreed to share her story with you today. Now, we aren't saying that every patient has to wear make-up to feel better, but as you read this story by feisty Britani, think of what you CAN do to normalize your life as a chronic illness patient. Are you a musician and miss singing or playing your instrument? Are you an artist who has abandoned your brushes and paints? Or are you an aspiring chef who has become discouraged by the IC Diet? How can you reclaim these parts of yourself? Let's let Britani inspire us!</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Eun6EhyphenhyphenkpteP3Ikh8BNvAgQZDeU449I1ogmoaBEHg1HfB6Rmnc3XZiWSuOQUpj_bzlpqZeiQqX2tEjgAmrT93h4NuVq-qXttLB1aNh2CREu5TiCpNy5ypHLfRebihWcXw3pUSe7rgpg/s1600/britinai+and+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9Eun6EhyphenhyphenkpteP3Ikh8BNvAgQZDeU449I1ogmoaBEHg1HfB6Rmnc3XZiWSuOQUpj_bzlpqZeiQqX2tEjgAmrT93h4NuVq-qXttLB1aNh2CREu5TiCpNy5ypHLfRebihWcXw3pUSe7rgpg/s200/britinai+and+fam.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Britani and her family of pups!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Britani Warner: Let's face it. Living with a chronic illness is exhausting. The pain, fatigue, and
side-effects from medications can keep us pretty worn out and not feeling
like doing much of anything, much less taking care of our personal
appearance. However, especially bad days, I have found that if I just
put on some makeup and let my awesome purple hair down, my outlook on
the day is much brighter. How could you be sad with purple hair,
right?!<br />
<br />
Being sick can make you look sick, and when you look in the mirror
and see those dark circles under your eyes, it can be quite
disheartening. Throwing on some cosmetics to cover those pesky dark
spots and brighten those tired eyes can make a huge difference in your
mood for the day. Even if your body hurts and you're tired, looking good
can help you <i>feel </i>good, even if just by a tiny little bit (and
that tiny little bit counts a whole lot when you live in pain each and
every day).<br />
<br />
On those days when all I want to do is lay on the couch in my pajamas, just painting on some cat eyes and applying
several layers of mascara (because we all want three-inch long lashes, right
ladies!) brightens my mood. The way I see it, if I'm gonna be a sickie,
at least I can be pretty. My tired, aching body will not reflect in my
face. I dare people to say to me, "But you don't look sick!" I will not let my illness take over <b>all </b>of who I am. Taking
care of my appearance not only makes me feel a little better when the
"beast" of chronic illness rears its ugly head, but it also allows my
face to reflect who I truly am on the inside: a beautiful warrior.<br />
<br />
Chronic illness will not win this fight.<br />
<br />
_______<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a><b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="style35">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">**Please SHARE using the links be<span style="font-family: inherit;">low!</span>**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-26444110164077362482016-01-18T09:42:00.001-08:002016-10-05T18:40:38.860-07:00An IC Diet Road Map!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHJ3X2C3TN9lhMO9ALElore9iYCNbDMWUxO3Z3ZJYAokaEsPkaNPuY3hgLr2egkkMntXKlLMCuBcQfjlLAMrGFGhO_PW_kgpi9iRFHkhsu_xYGIvDeoOWabnTS2jZl_6NBylItOPizs4/s1600/compass-356769_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Compass" border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWHJ3X2C3TN9lhMO9ALElore9iYCNbDMWUxO3Z3ZJYAokaEsPkaNPuY3hgLr2egkkMntXKlLMCuBcQfjlLAMrGFGhO_PW_kgpi9iRFHkhsu_xYGIvDeoOWabnTS2jZl_6NBylItOPizs4/s320/compass-356769_1280.jpg" title="An IC Diet Road Map!" width="320" /></a></div>
Like most other things in life, if you are trying to manage your interstitial cystitis symptoms with the <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC%20Diet%20and%20Food%20List.html" target="_blank">IC Food List</a>, you need a plan. Imagine that you are going to take a vacation. If you are like most people, you probably start choosing a destination weeks or even months in advance. You will likely spend time deciding on transportation, entertainment, and lodging. If you are driving, you might study maps to familiarize yourself with the various routes you can take. Or, if you are flying, you might compare the price and convenience of various airlines.<br />
<br />
Now imagine the confusion and frustration that would result if you just woke up one day and decided to take a vacation. Just choosing where you want to go would be paralyzing, let alone knowing what clothes to pack, or how you will figure out last minute transportation. Of course, you can drive to your destination, but would you set out to an unfamiliar place without a map or directions? (As an interstitial cystitis patient, you would probably want to know where all the bathrooms are too!)<br />
<br />
Just like planning a vacation, spending a few minutes each week planning IC friendly meals based on the <a href="http://ic-diet.com/IC%20Diet%20and%20Food%20List.html" target="_blank">interstitial cystitis diet</a> can save you the agony of making last minute decisions. Having meals planned in advance along with <a href="http://ic-diet.com/recipes%20and%20resources.html" target="_blank">recipes </a>can even reduce the temptation to eat outside of the home. Also, creating a grocery list from your menus and shopping once a week, will save you the frustration of shuffling the contents of your refrigerator and pantry or running to the store at the last minute to find that one elusive ingredient.<br />
<br />
Not everyone can afford an <a href="http://ic-diet.com/individualcoaching.html" target="_blank">IC Diet consultation</a> with me, but that is why I wrote the books. With a little help, I believe most people can do this themselves! It's a new year! Give it your best!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a></h3>
<h3>
<b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="style35">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">**Please SHARE using the links be<span style="font-family: inherit;">low!</span>**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-6876084426333165852015-06-26T10:40:00.000-07:002016-10-05T18:41:24.937-07:00Interstitial Cystitis Diet Hacks Part 2: Bury Denial and Take Control<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkS4qlsqzNQDHKz2y0aRibFARwI6m-RtzOig57no3SoqTxgN3TvorRuJiRSF_trtYlEep37gLWp6-dNdlZTFV4SfZL1q7olrAqwlDM5id4JMkqpTyVfBKemH-8S1XreNGNRSqE6fHlH8/s1600/iStock_000027227088_Small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Should You Drink a Cup of Coffee?" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkS4qlsqzNQDHKz2y0aRibFARwI6m-RtzOig57no3SoqTxgN3TvorRuJiRSF_trtYlEep37gLWp6-dNdlZTFV4SfZL1q7olrAqwlDM5id4JMkqpTyVfBKemH-8S1XreNGNRSqE6fHlH8/s320/iStock_000027227088_Small.jpg" title="Interstitial Cystitis Diet Hacks: Bury Denial and Take Control" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Are you in IC Diet Denial?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Often I hear people asking if some IC patients are simply not diet sensitive. I know it is tempting to think that you might be a person who doesn't need to modify what you eat, but here is what we know:<br />
<ul>
<li>No matter how the research is done, studies show that up to 94% of patients with IC are sensitive to some foods.</li>
<li>I often hear people with interstitial cystitis who are in a flare say following the IC Diet didn't help them. </li>
<li>I never hear people whose IC syptoms are improved say they didn't modify their diet in some way. </li>
</ul>
Frankly, I believe that those whose bladder is flaring and say the diet "didn't work" likely had other things going on such as stress, pelvic floor dysfunction, physical activity, even problems with laundry soap, or they didn't give the diet a chance to work. There is also the possibility that they were following the diet incorrectly or they followed the diet but refused to give up something important to them like coffee, tea, or diet soda. Maybe the foods they ate contained hidden ingredients that bother interstitial cystitis in their foods like artificial colors, preservatives, soy, or MSG. Regardless. there is likely some reason why those people tried the diet and it failed.<br />
<br />
The good news is that most people eventually figure out their own personal trigger foods; many using some sort of journaling technique. (See <a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2015/06/interstitial-cystitis-diet-hacks-part-1.html" target="_blank">Interstitial Cystitis Diet Hacks Part 1: Why Journal?</a>) Some people only need to avoid the most bothersome foods: coffee, tea, soda, artificial sweeteners, tomatoes, citrus foods, alcohol, soy, chocolate, and spicy foods. Some need a little more guidance with someone like me, <a href="http://ic-diet.com/individualcoaching.html" target="_blank">a dietitian who knows IC</a>. The bottom line is that diet is an important base-line treatment for IC.<br />
<br />
Were you ever in denial about how diet affected your interstitial cystitis symptoms? What are your most bothersome foods? What are your least bothersome foods? Let's continue the conversation here in the comments or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JulieBeyer.InterstitialCystitisDiet" target="_blank">Confident Choices Facebook page</a>! <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">PS: Thank you so much to all of you who
are making your Amazon purchases though the Confident Choices links.
Here are some of the products that purchased to help our cause!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00GU05MU2/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sit and Be Fit Exercise DVD </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00O88TP56/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">ZenGate Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Wallet Case </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B004JQXBFC/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Puroast Low-acid and Decaf Coffee</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b> </b><b>Just Tell Me What to Eat! </b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="style35">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">**Please SHARE using the links be<span style="font-family: inherit;">low!</span>**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="style35">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">**Please SHARE using the links be<span style="font-family: inherit;">low!</span>**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-26567403514377529852015-06-23T10:50:00.002-07:002019-02-21T15:56:21.394-08:00Interstitial Cystitis Diet Hacks Part 1: Why Journal?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcrQ0X-JWC_6CobAaWAeMsw6ovZ4lA4oKtKUlryZo4yLyYlmhtV6n1C9jWOuRhRAMryLugsVaz1-0-LnLpCmVmhdZ3guVjAGbFA2k3KA2yWonvZp5n4qvnj29fsIojEcPf8do9tGV1ek/s1600/Journaling.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUcrQ0X-JWC_6CobAaWAeMsw6ovZ4lA4oKtKUlryZo4yLyYlmhtV6n1C9jWOuRhRAMryLugsVaz1-0-LnLpCmVmhdZ3guVjAGbFA2k3KA2yWonvZp5n4qvnj29fsIojEcPf8do9tGV1ek/s320/Journaling.png" width="213" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I have to tell you a cool story. Before I had interstitial cystitis and became a reluctant expert on the IC Diet, I was a regular, everyday dietitian working in a hospital weight management facility. I loved my job. Loved the people I worked with and the patients we saw.</div>
<br />
Occasionally over the years, I wondered what happened to some of them. Then recently I ran into one of my former patients who recognized me. It appeared at first glance that she had kept the weight she had lost off (which is more than I can say for myself!), but she had a surprising story to tell.<br />
<br />
<i>"Julie, after a few years of maintenance, I gained about 50 pounds back. I realized I had to do something or I would be back where I started, and I came across all of my food diaries in my kitchen cupboard. I had stacks and stacks of them. I want you to know I sat down right there on the kitchen floor and started to read them again....all the food I ate (and wanted to eat but didn't), all the feelings I had (good and bad) about losing weight, the new recipes I had tried back then, the number of steps I took each day....all of it. It was like taking the weight management classes all over again, and I could hear your voice teaching and guiding us through the process. I even remembered you telling us to save the diaries forever so we could we could revisit them in the future. Well those diaries are the reason I was able to lose those 50 pounds again. Thank you!" </i><br />
<br />
Now, to be honest, I had totally forgotten about my advice to save the food diaries. I am sure I said it, but nevertheless, this wonderful woman's story reminded me once again about why food and symptom diaries are so important for interstitial cystitis/painful bladder patients! Not only can they help you figure out your food and other triggers, you can record your symptoms, your feelings, your limitations, and your victories! Your food and symptom diaries are YOUR IC story!<br />
<br />
How can you make the best of your journaling? Try to do each of these three things every day:<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Spotlight what you are doing. </b>Recording your food, activities, symptoms, feelings, and challenges raises your own sense of awareness. Keeping tract of these things can provide you with valuable insight on how the food you eat or the things you do affect your symptoms. </li>
<li><b>Set small goals for yourself. </b>Sure you want to be pain-free. That is an umbrella goal for us all. But how do you get there?<b> </b>Maybe you want to drink less coffee and more water. Or, maybe you want to move more each day. Even write down when you try new medications and supplements and keep track of how you feel. Committing these goals to paper can help you navigate the many changes needed to have a healthier IC lifestyle. </li>
<li><b>Record the results of small changes.</b> Did you feel better or worse trying a new brand of water? Did hiking at the park give you less pain than riding your bike? Did the new recipe you tried bother you? If not, did your family like it? </li>
</ol>
In addition, your journal can be a valuable tool when you visit your health care providers. You can talk to them about the changes you made and how they worked for you. You may be able to explore treatment strategies together based on the patterns, successes, and failures you read in your diaries. Finally, if you save these diaries like my weight management patient did, you will have them to look back at if you have a flare or recurrence of symptoms.<br />
<br />
How do you journal? Do you keep track of the foods you eat and the things that you do? Have you found it helpful in managing your own IC care plan?<br />
<br />
You can find free downloadable samples of food and voiding diaries at <a href="http://ic-diet.com/recipes%20and%20resources.html" target="_blank">IC Recipes and Resources</a>!<br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com</a><br />
<br />
Also See:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2014/07/interstitial-cystitis-help-ten-simple.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6gkkdSr_OscY2q4PYJNff0T9NTri_zaSO6Ej4knATsVaTNOwcdV85wark2zRGK0_nxD9eiLaQvb1JAmWt9NPMiS4zPGaS4ek1XObq05mrWCNdpd08Ijnrqp31ljkjCY8dftleOzkJBs/s200/Ten+Simple+Tips.png" width="133" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2017/02/hope-health-and-healing-for.html" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6AAhgn6u0Iqamn6oHcYIlMUseYmzTFGmt-wkYvZKK756YifCdNfJN2psGxRhT1XWkN6eRBSbKmD52qFSEKSzZ_5PlK0lY2LGjcq5Or0xzhZ3KVWdUpYSffDpr8evAwk789Sg_eB0n_bo/s200/Encouragement.png" width="133" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6gkkdSr_OscY2q4PYJNff0T9NTri_zaSO6Ej4knATsVaTNOwcdV85wark2zRGK0_nxD9eiLaQvb1JAmWt9NPMiS4zPGaS4ek1XObq05mrWCNdpd08Ijnrqp31ljkjCY8dftleOzkJBs/s1600/Ten+Simple+Tips.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a></h3>
<h3>
<b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="style35">
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<br /></div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-14994481521437329172015-02-21T11:02:00.002-08:002016-10-05T18:42:58.020-07:00Going to Church with Interstitial Cystitis<div class="_38 direction_ltr">
<span class="null"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="null"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUsAq5__Uoz7uXuhyphenhyphenhLCt30POOjkTpb2Fae5VlAq2Zu12tntMswtNydfMb5wN1jMoYYMV44HrowaxpyXh_c0muVQE4vIs_GGQlpH4B8j3Cxi911DVe8tEPLqSzKL7BXnNeRI4M_pYkjk/s1600/Mindbodyspirit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Body Mind Spirit" border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWUsAq5__Uoz7uXuhyphenhyphenhLCt30POOjkTpb2Fae5VlAq2Zu12tntMswtNydfMb5wN1jMoYYMV44HrowaxpyXh_c0muVQE4vIs_GGQlpH4B8j3Cxi911DVe8tEPLqSzKL7BXnNeRI4M_pYkjk/s1600/Mindbodyspirit.jpg" title="Going to Church with Interstitial Cystitis" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span class="null">
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (This blog post was written by my friend, Jolene Bates. Whether you are religious or not, science has shown that people who participate in spiritual practices are often happier and healthier. Have you missed going to church? Here is one alternative!)</span></i><br />
<br />
Hi, my name is
Jolene. I was diagnosed with IC in 1975. One of the many things in my life impacted by IC is my ability to enjoy church
services. Some days I would get along fine, but just as often I would find myself needing to get up to go the bathroom and feel
uncomfortable because I felt everyone was looking at me when I made my way out
of the service. On days when I was flaring badly,
it was not even possible to think about going to church.<br />
<br />
Over the
years many things happened relating to my ability to get to church. A
few years ago after we had made a move to a rural area of Iowa, I found
myself wanting to get back to church. I live approximately 40 miles
round trip from a church I might have wanted to go to. We don't have a
lot of money, so that in and of itself was going to be an issue on a
consistent basis. The other part of that was so many days my bladder was
not going to allow me to do that kind of traveling.<br />
<br />
One of my
online friends is a member of <span class="null">Westside Family
Church</span> in Lenexa, Kansas. This church has what they call an online campus. Every Sunday
at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 am, CST and 5 pm, CST; they have a live service
with music and sermon. The exact service that is taking place in their
church in Lenexa is being shown live on the internet! During the live
services, there is a chat box and a live prayer feature as well as
service notes are available online. They even have a Facebook group for
online campus, so that people who connect with us online for services
can even get prayers and support during the week. I tried it out in
2011 and loved it.<br />
<br />
To make a long story short, I am now an
online volunteer and typically volunteer during the 8:30am and 5 pm
services on Sundays. The services are an hour long. They also have
started showing the recordings of previous Sunday services for the past
month all through the week at different times but those services don't
have the chat box feature. They also post just the sermon portion of
the services on YouTube. Because of what I do volunteering online, I am also able to
turn the chat feature on and off so if there is a time other than
Sunday when you or your family or friends want to watch a service, if I
am available, I will be happy to help you share a service with your
friends and have the chat box. It is a great way to connect with family
for church when you don't live close to each other.<br />
<br />
This church
has been so loving and welcoming to me and I have never stepped foot in
the physical church yet. I lead online Bible study groups and Lifegroups
via closed Facebook groups for women for them that has both WFC members
and non-members alike. Since I
am considered part of the volunteer team for the online campus they make
sure to include me via Google Hangouts for video meetings.<br />
<br />
Today, you don't have to give up church because of interstitial cystitis. If
this is an issue for you, do a little searching online for spiritual communities that meet your needs. If you are not sure where to start, please consider trying <a href="http://online.westsidefamilychurch.com/" target="_blank">Westside's online campus ministry</a>. If you are on and see "Jolene from Iowa", that's me!!<br />
<br />
Questions? Please email me with any questions at <a href="mailto:joleneb2@yahoo.com">joleneb2@yahoo.com</a>. I am also on
Facebook, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jolene.bates.1" target="_blank">Jolene Bates</a>. <br />
<br />
_______<br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="userContent"><span class="userContent">I truly appreciate my Amazon shoppers! </span>Remember, as you are doing your shopping on
Amazon this holiday season, please use my Amazon links. You don't
have to purchase the product it links to. Once you get to Amazon, you
can browse and Amazon will remember you entered the store through
Confident Choices. This is a
simple way to help pay for the CC website, blog, newsletter, and social
media time!</span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><b><a href="http://tinyurl.com/ICCookbook" rel="nofollow"> http://tinyurl.com/ICCookbook</a></b></span></span></i></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/108343524836425811127" rel="”author”">Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s1600/Large.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8I_WC8Sn1paGn7qbjkRO-NWRwaHGpfGtGkObd2rH6Rd6uHXyxABsSLu-V5M8wDz-7aqqTL21b0vyRvk2cmYT1-rV8E4d51cfrB7QmrNLh1s4NV0EJbCZJD958M1jID4hAQ3x9Vvg3yyI/s200/Large.jpg" width="130" /></a></h3>
<h3>
<b>Helping Yourself Is the First Step to Getting Well</b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a></span> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="style35">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">**Please SHARE using the links be<span style="font-family: inherit;">low!</span>**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8639585305009174495.post-80814988577358332442014-11-18T09:56:00.001-08:002018-12-10T15:12:37.824-08:00How Others Can Help People with Chronic Illness During the Holidays<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikptYr4u_QF1yYvqAP4tkuNUZtmXxevBUJVyhuW47_SwGppUwqlc5JP5UshX6CWQRkzUvqCB85Rqu-hST8ehLLrbiRoGmES7SGQIgzTvKrE9rQR-C1HlwPm1zFgth7X1pZoLCMunE-nYk/s1600/Advice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Helpful Advice" border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikptYr4u_QF1yYvqAP4tkuNUZtmXxevBUJVyhuW47_SwGppUwqlc5JP5UshX6CWQRkzUvqCB85Rqu-hST8ehLLrbiRoGmES7SGQIgzTvKrE9rQR-C1HlwPm1zFgth7X1pZoLCMunE-nYk/s1600/Advice.jpg" title="How Others Can Help People with Chronic Illness During the Holidays" width="392" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
Thank you www.robot-hugs.com for the meme!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(Just so you know, this was written as a stream of thought on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/JulieBeyer.InterstitialCystitisDiet?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. I am leaving it as I wrote it....sometimes rants like this deserve their original context! Please add ideas in the comments!)<br />
<br />
Although I am better now, I have been there for most of this. All of this has been said to me (and I know others thought it.) I know it isn't fun to have family members or friends who have chronic illness, but it can be very, VERY lonely. Trust me, the person in any one of those cartoon frames wishes that they could jump out of bed every morning, hold a "real" job, run with their kids and grandkids, and plan fantabulous social gatherings.<br />
<br />
Let's make this a judgment free holiday season. Instead of avoiding the "negative" people in your life, ask if they would like to go shopping together or have a present wrapping day. Bring some Christmas cookies to someone and help them decorate their tree. Make it FUN, not a chore. If they want to hold a holiday party help them out.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sometimes a person with chronic pain or illness is more comfortable in their own home, but they don't have the energy to put together the food. Can you imagine? So everyone goes someplace else for the fun and leaves the sick person behind (because they said it was ok....NO, it is not ok, but they don't feel like they have a choice.) Don't be afraid to just "do" things for them. Trust me, they feel bad enough, especially if they used to have the perfect parties and perfect food. If you are in their home and their bathroom looks a little dusty, take a cloth and discretely wipe things down. Unload their dishwasher while they sip a cup of tea.<br />
<br />
Sure, ask how they are doing, but make conversations about other things.....tell them what is going on in your church and ask them if they would like to join in. Maybe they didn't make it to church to see the bulletin. Talk about who got a new puppy, or who is expecting a baby. Do a project together.....make a Christmas wreath, help them organize their family pictures...........I could go on and on and on.<br />
<br />
We may not have many people who have leprosy these days....modern illness is often invisible. DO you know someone with chronic pain, interstitial cystitis, fibromyalgia, migraines, heart disease, arthritis, depression, anxiety, etc? I know you do. Because everyone does. The Blessed Mother Teresa said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” And Nike said, "Just Do It."<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">For more on holidays, depression, and chronic illness like interstitial cystitis see:</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhl7nv4ocxlyQ13LgjCB1YSWPxlWrQwGRPwJspIBSQf1tQftl9YmWqykn9hALpBLvroYwfBWA8gzyiFoNSuSgjHnU8Vq7LlpGmL0LIc9WNUZXeUPjWEoYEfzv9V1cCTA8AnECIS0CSS0/s1600/ho-ho-ho.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqhl7nv4ocxlyQ13LgjCB1YSWPxlWrQwGRPwJspIBSQf1tQftl9YmWqykn9hALpBLvroYwfBWA8gzyiFoNSuSgjHnU8Vq7LlpGmL0LIc9WNUZXeUPjWEoYEfzv9V1cCTA8AnECIS0CSS0/s200/ho-ho-ho.png" width="133" /></a><br />
<a href="https://interstitial-cystitis-diet.blogspot.com/2012/12/getting-through-holidays-with-chronic.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1102" data-original-width="735" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDTXeLgfsf-R5hSwZJcxpwVw0J5V2BA_Y_0BATaM55Lu0_Gz01RPiuXyi0CtvoFK09yD9SLO_C-MigB1I4RxzrDim25e1jX6N6Zd3cvZbrGQTlvSO7XH3MeClVklAOKZ3L5x98uOFG_Es/s200/Holidays+1+pin.png" width="133" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
Julie Beyer, MA, RDN</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Author, Speaker, Patient Advocate</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.ic-diet.com/">www.ic-diet.com </a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJmk21aNd8CYb8t39jc_Hf_jSZpRHYulk5s5qzcNJX5uPMiUeVZyL88NdIU5W2CUdM2aCEi7fxdD2UMxigB99sYXyVYh4B5RkXxnmq_rpHLcUjnA9vqfAYjQMb_trZUT7fdTUn3AGUsJc/s200/CC+cover+med.jpg" width="132" /></a><b> </b><b>Just Tell Me What to Eat! </b></h3>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For step by step guidance for creating your own personal interstitial cystitis meal plan, see: <a href="http://www.tinyurl.com/ICWorkbook" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: Customizing the Interstitial Cystitis Diet.</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">For some basic, family-style, IC bladder-friendly recipes, see: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724626/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Confident Choices<i><sup><span class="style51"><b>®</b></span></sup></i>: A Cookbook for Interstitial Cystitis and Overactive Bladder</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fo</span><span style="font-size: small;">r health care workers: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0976724669/ref=nosim/nutraconsults-20"><span style="color: blue;">Interstitial Cystitis: A Guide for Nutrition Educators</span></a><span style="color: blue;"> </span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="style35" style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #20124d;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599;"><span style="color: #073763;"><span style="color: #990000;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">**Please SHARE using the links be<span style="font-family: inherit;">low!</span>**</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />Julie Bhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08464347473234144019noreply@blogger.com0